The numbers of children being diagnosed with autism is rising at a meteoric rate -- too fast to be explained by more frequent diagnostic recognition.

The following figures are statistics maintained by the Department of Education for children with autism aged 6-21, who are given Special Education services under IDEA (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).

The totals reflect each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, with combined totals below.

Where increase percentages rise past a certain point, approximately 5000%, the rate is given below as "near infinite."

Projections for coming years are listed beneath, based on current figures, rates, and typical research/intervention patterns. The increasing numbers of students with autism can also be seen clearly when statistics are examined by age group.

Below the nationwide charts are the numbers of New Jersey students with autism as of December 1, 2001 (for the calendar year 2001/2002), broken down by chronological age, taken from data compiled for the upcoming 24th Annual Report to Congress on the Implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act by the Office of Special Education Programs, Trenton, New Jersey.

Explanations For The Surge In Autism Rates Abound

One recent perspective appears in the January 6, 2002 Sunday Herald, United Kingdom.

The argument that autism is primarily a genetic phenomenon has been the leading one over the decades, and still receives significant -- probably the majority -- of scientific funding; however, an astute delineation of the impacts of environmental factors versus genetics on disease incidence was provided by Dr. Bengt Olle Bengtsson, Professor of Evolutionary Genetics and Chairman of the Department of Genetics at Lund University, Sweden, for FEATNews, April 1, 2002.

Additional raw data can be accessed at [website], for 2000-2001; at [website], for the year 1999-2000; and [website], for data prior to 1999 (Table AA2), along with complete texts of the Annual Reports to Congress on the Implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 1996 forward.

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

I have treated many hundreds of children with autism and am quite confident that a severe restriction of grains and sugars produces a profound improvement in the brain injury that accompanies this illness. Many parents recognize that a gluten and casein free diet is important and frequently provides benefit. However, this is only a small portion of the dietary changes that are required. It is quite common for many children to follow a gluten and casein free program and receive only minimal or no improvement. This is largely related to the fact that they are consuming other grains or grain like starches such as potatoes, rice and corn. Once the child rigidly follows the eating plan, there is quite a profound improvement in the disease. The new modification of the eating plan includes generous portions of cod liver oil that has incredibly useful omega-3 fats and vitamin D, and also the natural (cis) form of vitamin A, that seems to provide an independent benefit in many children with autism. Related Articles: Autism Epidemic Soars in America Autism Epidemic Continues to Expand In California We Are In the Midst of An Autism Epidemic