Autism Among Us: Rising Concerns and the Public Health Response

Acronym Guide

ASD - Autism Spectrum Disorder
CADDRE - Centers of Excellence for Autism and Developmental Disabilities Research and Epidemiology
CARD - Center for Autism and Related Disabilities
FDLRS - Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System
TEACCH - Treatment and Education of Autism and related Communication handicapped CHildren

Program Notes

Prevalence

  • Autistic disorder 10-20 per 10,000
  • All ASDs 20-60 per 10,000

CDC ASD Initiatives

  • Population-based surveillance in eight states
  • Six centers of excellence in autism and developmental disabilities epidemiology

NIH ASD Initiatives

  • Five centers of excellence in autism clinical and basic science research
  • Autism Coordinating Committee

Early Intervention Programs Run by:

  • Health department in 26 states
  • Education department in 13 states
  • Human/social services department in five states

Autism Screening Tools

  • M-CHAT
  • Social Communication Questionnaire

Improving Early Detection

  • Increase awareness about autism and early intervention
  • Encourage more initial developmental screening and referral to early intervention
  • Assure early intervention programs use latest techniques for ASD early-recognition
  • Assure sufficient clinical expertise

ASD Communication Indicators

  • Hasn't babbled, pointed or made gestures by one year
  • Hasn't spoken a word by 16 months
  • Hasn't spoken a two-word phrase by 2 years
  • Doesn't respond to name
  • Loses language or social skills

Other Indicators

  • Poor eye contact
  • Doesn't know how to play with toys
  • Lines up toys or other objects
  • Unusually attached or interested in particular toys/objects
  • Doesn't smile socially
  • Has odd movement patterns
  • May appear at times to have a hearing impairment