Saturday, November 09, 2002

Is Autism on the rise?? I need to review the original UC Calfornia autism study which shows a 270% increase in autism diagnosis before I can comment intelligently.  I'm getting lots of requests for comments and all I can say right now is that I'm skeptical about "toxic world" or "faulty vaccination" explanations, especially in light of compelling genetic and neuroimaging studies.  It's important to remember that the DSM IV diagnostic criteria do not state that the individual has "no social abilities" but instead refers to "qualitative impairment" in social abilities...this leaves us with the possibility of throwing a large net, rather than a small strainer in identification.  Also, pediatricians are (FINALLY) getting hip to autism and are getting better at early identification.  I know, I know...the UC folks claim they have controlled for all this...I want to see the original paper! 12:54:52 PM    comment []

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