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In other words, 2.5% of children, or 1.5 million children aged 3 to 17, had this condition.
"What's happening is that these studies use slightly more liberal and inclusive methods than CDC methods," said Frazier, adding that he preferred the CDC figures but included "that they are probably somewhat conservative."
The new study is based on the 2016 National Survey of Children's Health, conducted by the US Census Bureau and which collected information from parents of more than 50,000 children up to the age of 3 years. 17. To be included in the estimate, parents should have reported that their child had already been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and was currently suffering from the disease.
The new figures were also slightly lower than in 2017. National Health Interview Survey. He estimated that 2.76% of the children had already received such a diagnosis, which the authors of the new report note have a broader definition.
The fact that the new study relies on parenting – not validated by health and education.
Frazier stated that the figure of 1 in 40 is "generally consistent with previous surveys of parents and other direct prevalence studies". where researchers are searching for and directly identifying autism. "
Parents of the new study also reported more difficulties in getting the health care their children need, compared to those with Down syndrome or other behavioral disorders, such as Hyperactivity with deficit of attention disorder
"Although we have seen progress in recent years, this confirms what we know about our parents – that many children face delays unacceptable in obtaining a diagnostic evaluation, even after p or his caregivers have recognized the signs of autism, "said Frazier
In the new study, more than a quarter of children with autistic spectrum disorders were taking medi to treat symptoms related to the disease and almost two-thirds had received "behavioral treatments" over the past year, the study says.
She also found a higher prevalence of autism spectrum disorders among certain groups such as boys, children of single mothers and households living below the federal poverty line, compared to at least four times this income threshold.
The figures from the new study and those from the CDC study could be explained by the years they were conducted, the age of the children studied and their place of residence, according to the new study.
The CDC report was based on data collected in 11 communities across the country, but was not necessarily representative at the national level, according to the co-author of this report, Daisy Christensen, division-led surveillance team developmental deficiencies at the CDC National Conbad Anomalies Research Center. and Developmental Disability.
Autistic spectrum disorders, a lifelong intellectual disability, are characterized by problems of communication and social interaction, accompanied by repetitive behavioral patterns.
The authors note that it is difficult to compare the new report with previous iterations. The survey gathered its data and the wording of the questions.
"We can not say what proportion was explained by internal changes in the survey rather than by external factors," the authors wrote.
The report is presented as an estimate of the prevalence of the disease.
"In the '80s and' 90s, the diagnostic criteria were expanded to include more children," said Christensen, "so I think that's certainly a possibility for him." increase we saw. "
Previously, more than half of the children identified as autistic also had an intellectual disability. Today, they are about a third, she said. "And that really fits with the identification of kids who may be at the lower end of the spectrum."
The authors of the new study also note that universal screening recommendations made in the 2000s may have led to an increase in prevalence among younger children, for example. .
"Since there is no biological marker, [autism spectrum disorder] is a particularly difficult condition to follow," note the authors.
But understand how common it is for health experts to distribute resources and provide families with the help they need, according to Frazier.
"Having prevalence estimates – even if there are variations – helps us advocate for screening, diagnosis, intervention and treatment. 39, improved support, "he said.
CNN's Susan Scutti contributed to this report.
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