JOHN'S WORLD OF AUTISM   Web www.johnsworld.cashhosters.com Parenting the Strong-Willed Child

Mercury Poisoning Myths Myth #6: There is no autism epidemic, it's just better diagnosis This myth persists despite being refuted by a wide range of scientists, policy makers, and health care organizations. All the available data points to an epidemic. Between 1992-2002, the Department of Education estimates that there has been a 714% increase in the number of autistic children. In the 1970s, autism was estimated to occur in 1 in 25,000 children. Between 1970 and 1990, that number increased to about 1 in 2,500. Today, the CDC acknowledges the number is about 1 in 166, even Eli Lilly, the maker of Thimerosal, says it's 1 in 150. Many believe it is closer to 1 in 125. The anecdotal evidence that we are experiencing an epidemic is overwhelming. If there is no epidemic, then where are all the autistic adults? Ask any doctor, teacher, or day care worker who has been around children for 20 or more years, and they will tell you that the epidemic is unprecedented. What parent, either now or 20 years ago, does not notice that their child who spoke at one year is no longer speaking, or that their child does not respond to their name or look them in the eyes, or is displaying odd, repetitive behaviors like hand-flapping, spinning, and rocking that no other child is doing? Did those parents 20 years ago not notice these things? Here are 3 studies that help address the truth, that autism is an epidemic: 1. The Autism Epidemic Is Real Autism Research Institute Dr. Bernard Rimland, President, Autism Research Institute July 14, 2003 2. What's Going On? The Question of Time Trends in Autism. Public Health Reports, Volume 119 Mark F. Blaxill, MBA November-December 2004 3. The Changing Prevalence of Autism In California Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, Volume 33, Number 2 Mark Blaxill, et.al. April 2003

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