(CBS/AP) The Center for Disease Control and Prevention's latest autism report shows rates of the disorder are on the rise, up 23 percent from the previous estimate. The news has sparked experts to advise parents they should learn the signs that may signal a problem with their child's development, because the earlier the intervention, the better.
Complete Coverage of Latest Developments in Autism 10 early warning signs of autism
The CDC's latest numbers are based on 2008 data from 14 states. The new rate is nearly twice as high than 2002 data estimates of roughly 1 in 150 kids. And it's 23 percent higher than a later estimate of 1 in 110 based on 2006 data. Rates are highest in boys and white children. But the biggest rate increase was among Hispanic children, from 1 in 270 in 2002 to about 1 in 125 in 2008.
Cristina Astacio is one such child. At 18 months, she spoke only a few words, wouldn't respond to her name and shunned other kids in her day care group. Last October, her worried parents found out why - she was diagnosed with a mild form of autism, a diagnosis being given to more U.S. children than ever before, largely because of more awareness and better screening methods.
The definition of autism has changed over the years, and Cristina might not have been considered autistic two decades ago.
But experts say kids like her are lucky in a way, because her parents recognized early that something was wrong. The CDC's report found that 40 percent of kids weren't diagnosed until after age 4. Evidence shows that children who are identified early and get help have the best chance for reaching their potential, said CDC Director Dr. Thomas Frieden.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends autism screening for all children at age 18 months and 2 years.
Autism diagnoses rely on doctors observing behavior. Autism can't be cured, but treatment including intensive behavior therapy can help many kids function better.
The academy's Dr. Susan Hyman said many children who aren't making eye contact and aren't talking "may have autism, but they may have other things." She said it's important for parents to be persistent about their concerns so their kids can be evaluated by doctors.
Dr. Rebecca Landa, director of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, Md, says some signs of autism can be seen in children only 6- to 12-months-old.
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With autism rates up, experts renew call for early intervention