How Prevalent Does the AAP Think Autism Is?

This was released by A-CHAMP a few months ago. Thought I would post it.

OK, folks, here's a quiz for all you autism eggheads out there:

According to the AAP website, what is the incidence rate for autism in the United States:

A) 1 in 500
B) 1 in 333
C) 1 in 166
D) All the above

And the answer is....

If you said "A", you're correct, the AAP says on their website that the autism incidence rate (including other ASDs) is 1 in 500.
See: http://www.aap.org/policy/autism.html

If you said "B" good for you! This is a correct answer too! One in a thousand for full-blown autism and 2 in a thousand for the lower-octane derivatives.
See: http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;107/5/1221
If you said "C" well. that's right too! There is a dead link to a document that came out a few months ago called autism A.L.A.R.M,. rember that one? It said the autism rate was 1 in 166. But you can't find this one on the AAP website anymore. It has also disappeared as far as I can tell from the websites of the other entities that sponsored the document: our good buddies at CDC, USDHHS, Medical Home Initiatives and First Signs.

Copies of Autism A.L.A.R.M. are still floating around the net. The text is below. I particularly like the "L" for listen to parents, there's a novel thought. No wonder they pulled it.

http://www.helpautismnow.com/PDFS/AutismAlarm.pdf
SO the real correct answer is "D"!

Just another example of the crackerjack job those dedicated and hardworking MDs at the AAP are doing to assure you that you should trust them with blind, unquestioning confidence. They no better than us so who are you to question them?

This has got to stop. And only we can stop it.

"Autism is prevalent
• 1 out of 6 children are diagnosed with a developmental disorder and/or behavioral problem
• 1 in 166 children are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder
• Developmental disorders have subtle signs and may be easily missed

Listen to parents
• Early signs of autism are often present before 18 months
• Parents usually DO have concerns that something is wrong
• Parents generally DO give accurate and quality information
• When parents do not spontaneously raise concerns, ask if they have any

Act early
• Make screening and surveillance an important part of your practice (as endorsed by the AAP)
• Know the subtle differences between typical and atypical development
• Learn to recognize red flags
• Use validated screening tools and identify problems early
• Improve the quality of life for children and their families through early and appropriate intervention

Refer
• To Early Intervention or a local school program (do not wait for a diagnosis)
• To an autism specialist, or team of specialists, immediately for a definitive diagnosis

• To audiology and rule out a hearing impairment
• To local community resources for help and family support

Monitor
• Schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss concerns more thoroughly
• Look for other features known to be associated with autism
• Educate parents and provide them with up-to-date information
• Advocate for families with local early intervention programs, schools, respite care agencies, and insurance companies
• Continue surveillance and watch for additional or late signs of autism and/or other developmental disorders

For More Information: www.medicalhomeinfo.org"