Researchers find that autism rates are stabilizing in Wisconsin

By Staff Writer

Research from the University of Wisconsin reveals that autism rates within the state remained stable in 2009 after six consecutive years of increasing numbers, reports Reuters Health.

Experts found that between 2002 and 2008, the number of children in the state’s special education autism category nearly doubled. However, the increase was only seen in schools that began with very few autistic kids.

Experts said they are split between two possible theories. One possibility is that kids who were previously categorized as mentally disabled are now being diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Another suggestion is that environmental factors in the state could be impacting the development of children’s brains.

Boarding schools can help teens and children who suffer from autism by giving them the level of care their condition requires through innovative therapy that traditional schools cannot offer.

According to a 2006 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 1 in 110 children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Furthermore, approximately 36,500 children will be diagnosed with the condition in their lifetime.