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The report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates one out of 88 children in the U.S. has an autism spectrum disorder, previous numbers identified one in 110 children. While the increase is concerning, ABCNews Chief Health and Medical Editor, Doctor Richard Besser says it may be due to earlier detection and diagnosis.
Valley families like Julianna Pearce and her son Nathan, see the study as eye-opening. Pearce believes autism is on the rise and more research and funding needs to be dedicated to find the cause of the disorder and fund treatment. She says, parents need to know the symptoms such social withdrawal, for early detection.
Starting July first, a new California law will require insurance companies to pay for autism treatment.
