Differences in data show that there may be no autism epidemic

By Staff Writer

A study from The Research Council of Norway reveals that there may not be an outbreak of autism cases occurring presently.

Research, which was originally conducted in 1998 found that autism occurred in 0.05 percent of children in Norway. However, a more recent study called "Barn i Bergen" shows that the diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may apply to as much as 1 percent of the population.

Researchers said it is difficult to determine whether the differences in these studies show an increase in diagnoses. They were quick to suggest that better methods of finding and diagnosing the condition may have lead to the emergence of the condition in recent years.

The first sub-study of the "Barn i Bergen" used different methods to investigate the same group of children and found that 0.44 percent had an ASD, while a few years later the rate was 0.87 percent. Researchers said that the reason for the difference is there was a more extensive survey in the last sub-study, which involved a clinical test, a questionnaire and an interview with the children's parents.

Individuals who suffer from autism often display significant language delays, social and communication challenges and unusual behaviors and interests. Furthermore, people with the condition often exhibit an intellectual disability.