The number of American children with autism may be much higher than first thought.
Two new government studies show one in every one hundred children may have it.
But some experts are questioning the findings.
Alexis Christoforous reports.
Allison and Michael Walmark realized their son Ethan wasn't developing like other kids when he was just 12 months old.
At age 2 therapists suggested he had autism. Now two new government studies show that diagnosis is becoming more and more common.
In a telephone survey of 78-thousand families researchers found 1- in every one hundred kids may have it.
Preliminary data from the centers for disease control shows a similar rate.
That's much higher than previous numbers which suggested the disorder affected 1 in 150 kids.
It's not clear how much of the increase is due to more awareness and earlier diagnosis.
Many experts believe some kids are being labeled autistic when they don't necessarily have the disorder.
In the latest study, 40 percent of parents told researchers their kids 'were' diagnosed with autism but now no longer have the disorder.
But when it comes to treatment, the answer is black and white - early intervention is key.
For Ethan the struggle has paid off . The four year old is showing great progress.
The latest statistic is not the final one. In the coming months the government will release a complete study on autism rates.
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