Autism in California increases twelvefold

From 1987 to 2007, the number of children and adults with autism served by regional centers rose from 2,701 to 34,656, notes a study released this week by the state Department of Developmental Services.

That is a nearly 1,200 percent increase. By contrast, the state’s general population grew by 27 percent during that time frame.

Other disabilities saw much smaller growth rates. Regional center clients with mental retardation increased by 95 percent, cerebral palsy by 73 percent, and epilepsy by 66 percent.

People who have autism now outnumber those with cerebral palsy in the state, and they will soon surpass those with epilepsy.

I really want to understand this great increase in diagnosed cases of autism.