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You've seen the headlines. You've heard the numbers. And it sounds scary. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in every 150 children is diagnosed with autism or a related disorder, an increase of more than 800% between 1993 and 2003. But what do these numbers mean, and what is behind this shocking increase?

Autism is one of five Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), which also include Rett's Disorder, Asperger's Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). Autism is diagnosed by the presence of key behaviors, including difficulties with verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction, as well as the presence of unusual interests and behaviors, varying in severity.

Looking at the recent history and development of key diagnostic tools and changes in legislation gives an interesting backdrop to the shocking increase in diagnosis. Prior to 1990, the prevalence of ASDs was not monitored through the school system. This is fascinating because ASDs are often identified by schools or educational specialists. It wasn't until 1990 that the new Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) added autism to the group of children and youth served, guaranteeing assistance and transition services through early intervention and public school programs.

In 1991 came the first generally recognized tool for diagnosis of autism: the Autism Diagnostic Interview. Then in 1992, in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV), released by the American Psychiatric Association, refined criteria for autism diagnosis and began listing autism as a spectrum disorder.

So there were several important changes. Legislation made treatment more readily available in the environment where many ASDs are identified. Diagnostic tools were generalized and refined. Could some of the increase in the statistics result from these changes as well as increased monitoring of the prevalence of ASDs?

Since the year 2002, the studies have shown the numbers to be relatively stable at 1 in 150 children diagnosed with an ASD. In 2006, a slight decrease was reported.

Yes, that's right: a decrease in the diagnosis of ASDs. Yes, the numbers still seem high at 1 in 166 but that's actually the higher end of the range. According to the CDC, the lower end of the range is about 1 in 500, slightly lower than the prevalence of Juvenile Diabetes, which comes in at 1 in 400. ASDs are still less common than other learning

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