Abstract
Using standardized methods for multi-source surveillance, we calculated the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD)
among children born in a racially diverse region in 1994 or 1996 as 4.7/1000 live births. Children with ASD before age 9 were
identified through chart abstraction at health-related sources; three-quarters were being served by the state-wide Department
of Developmental Services. In adjusted models, we found a male:female ratio of 6:1, a doubling of ASD prevalence among children
of older mothers (40+), and lower prevalence with lower paternal education. Children of Black or Hispanic mothers had lower
prevalence than those of White, non-Hispanic mothers, but these differences were attenuated after adjustment. Prevalence in
children of Asian mothers was similar to Whites. Potential under-counting is discussed.
among children born in a racially diverse region in 1994 or 1996 as 4.7/1000 live births. Children with ASD before age 9 were
identified through chart abstraction at health-related sources; three-quarters were being served by the state-wide Department
of Developmental Services. In adjusted models, we found a male:female ratio of 6:1, a doubling of ASD prevalence among children
of older mothers (40+), and lower prevalence with lower paternal education. Children of Black or Hispanic mothers had lower
prevalence than those of White, non-Hispanic mothers, but these differences were attenuated after adjustment. Prevalence in
children of Asian mothers was similar to Whites. Potential under-counting is discussed.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-11
- DOI 10.1007/s10803-010-1160-2
- Authors
- Gayle C. Windham, Environmental Health Investigations Branch, California Department of Public Health, 850 Marina Bay Parkway, EHIB–Bldg P, Richmond, CA 94804, USA
- Meredith C. Anderson, Impact Assessment, Inc., La Jolla, CA USA
- Lisa A. Croen, Northern California Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, Oakland, CA USA
- Karen S. Smith, Impact Assessment, Inc., La Jolla, CA USA
- John Collins, Impact Assessment, Inc., La Jolla, CA USA
- Judith K. Grether, Environmental Health Investigations Branch, California Department of Public Health, 850 Marina Bay Parkway, EHIB–Bldg P, Richmond, CA 94804, USA
- Journal Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
- Online ISSN 1573-3432
- Print ISSN 0162-3257