1 in 150 Births Affected By Autism

New CDC Report Shows Number Growing At Alarming Rate

August 8, 2007

By: Christine Chang

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is estimating 1 in 150 births will be affected by Autism. In fact, that number is growing at a startling rate of 10 to 17% a year.

"The numbers are huge and they're going up," said Dr. Phillip Demio, Autism Specialist.

Nathan Sargeant, 8 year old of Louisville, is one of millions of kids with autism. He was diagnosed four years ago after he started to lose his ability to communicate.

"He started to cut off end of his words and then he just couldn't communicate," said Nathan's Motheer Bridget Sargeant.

Sargeant said while Nathan's speech is improving, his social skills are impacted by the spectrum disorder. Autism is a developmental disorder that affects the functioning of the brain.

The cause and treatment of Autism is still debatable, ranging from genetics to environmental impacts, to some vaccinations. That's why the Autism Society of Boulder County helped put together a 4-day conference at the Hyatt Regency in the Denver Tech Center. It runs from Wednesday through Saturday. You can still register in person.

Source: The Denver Channel