Christopher Astacio reads with his daughter Cristina, 2, recently diagnosed with a mild form of autism, in her bedroom, March 28, 2012 in New York. (Bebeto Matthews/AP Photo)
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:43 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:43:43 GMT
Powhatan, VA—Many here in Central Virginia are searching for ways to help the tornado victims in Oklahoma. A group of women in Powhatan decided to take matters into their own hands, and are pitching inMore >>
Many here in Central Virginia are searching for ways to help the tornado victims in Oklahoma. A group of women in Powhatan decided to take matters into their own hands, and are pitching in to help in the best way they can...More >>
Tuesday, May 21 2013 9:53 PM EDT2013-05-22 01:53:13 GMT
RICHMOND, VA—Memorial Day is less than a week away, and lots of stores are dishing out sales—8News Anchor Amie McLain explains how you can find the most bang for your buck. This Memorial Day weekend, consumerMore >>
Memorial Day is less than a week away, and lots of stores are dishing out sales—8News Anchor Amie McLain explains how you can find the most bang for your buck...More >>
Tuesday, May 21 2013 9:38 PM EDT2013-05-22 01:38:54 GMT
Richmond, VA—Many Americans are tightening their budgets; but even with the rising cost of raising a family, a local pharmacy believes health should not be sacrificed and is taking unusual action to promoteMore >>
Many Americans are tightening their budgets; but even with the rising cost of raising a family, a local pharmacy believes health should not be sacrificed and is taking unusual action to promote the benefits of vitamins...More >>
Tuesday, May 21 2013 9:31 PM EDT2013-05-22 01:31:55 GMT
Richmond, VA—As 8News continues its investigation into the allegations against The ROC Church pastor Geronimo Aguilar who is accused of having sex with minors in Texas, another woman has come forward with allegationsMore >>
8News has learned that Texas authorities confirm Geronimo Aguilar is in custody, after surrendering without incident at his home in Richmond Tuesday afternoon. Two warrants had been issued for Aguilar's arrest earlier in the week...More >>
NEW YORK (AP) - A government survey of parents in the U.S. says 1 in 50 schoolchildren has autism. That surpasses another federal estimate for the disorder.
Health officials say the new number doesn't mean autism is happening more often. But it does suggest that doctors are diagnosing autism more frequently, especially in children with milder problems.
The earlier government survey estimated 1 in 88 U.S. schoolchildren has autism. It looked at medical and school records. The latest survey interviewed more than 95,000 parents in 2011 and 2012.
For decades, autism meant kids with severe language, intellectual and social impairments and unusual, repetitious behaviors. But the definition has gradually expanded and now includes milder, related conditions.
The new estimate released Wednesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would mean at least 1 million children have autism.
Michael Rosanoff of the advocacy group Autism Speaks, says, "We've been underestimating" how common autism is.
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