Marissa Howard, 10, severely autistic, with mother Irene Leivas-Howard, left, and sisters Mia Howard, 12, center left, and Sabrina Irene Howard, 8. The Chula Vista family understands Marissa's need for tactile attention and often hug and kiss her. Not pictured is father Raymond Howard.
Autism, one of the most shadowy disorders ever faced by doctors and parents, is finally losing its mystery.
At research centers in San Diego and across the country, the tools of modern biotechnology are allowing autisms effects on the brain to be identified with greater specificity. More effective tests can now spot the neurological condition by the time a child turns 1 and potentially even sooner. This earlier diagnosis leads to better treatment, and that usually means better outcomes.
Some of the latest news is disquieting. Autism is now estimated to be far more widespread than previously believed. And it starts before birth.
According to the latest report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1.2 million Americans younger than 21 have autism. Thats 30 percent higher than what the CDC reported two years ago, and more than double what the agency calculated in 2002.
Greater numbers of children with high IQs are being diagnosed with the condition, the CDC said.
Autism is a range of social communication disorders. At one end are children with severe developmental challenges, including the inability to communicate. At the other end are those who can communicate and care for themselves, but have difficulties with social interaction a condition also called Asperger syndrome.
The collective name for all of these disorders severe, moderate and mild is autism spectrum.
Images of brain scans are studied at the UCSD Autism Center of Excellence. John Gastaldo
Recent findings about autism include:
Continued here:
Insights into causes of autism grow