Autism is more prevalent among children in New Jersey than previously thought, according to a new study, but the apparent increase is due largely to better screening and diagnosis, officials say.

    One in 49 children in the state have been identified as having an autism spectrum disorder, compared to one in 88 children nationwide, according to a study released Thursday by the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., called the results of the study “shocking,” noting the national figure increased 23 percent over six years.

    “The new CDC data shows a sharp increase from the appalling 2006 data that documented 1 in 110 children with an autism spectrum disorder,” Smith said.

    Health officials attribute the increase in the rate largely to better recognition of cases, through wider screening and better diagnosis. But advocacy groups seized on the new number as further evidence that autism research and services should get more attention.

    Of the 14 states that had sites included in the study, New Jersey had the second-highest incidence of autism spectrum disorders, behind Utah, the study shows.

    Union County was the location selected for the New Jersey survey, which examined the records of 7,082 children, the study shows. Of that total, the study shows, 145 have autism spectrum disorders.

    “In some cases, New Jersey might have a leg up because we’re diagnosing the kids out there,” said Dr. Jill Harris, director of program development for the Children’s Specialized Hospital office in Mountainside and a coordinator for autism services.

    Harris called New Jersey unique for having more places where children can be diagnosed than most states and doing a lot to increase autism awareness.

    Debbie Fitzsimmons of Toms River understands the importance of early detection.

    Her son James, 11, was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, a form of autism, four years ago this month, Fitzsimmons said. Before that point, the family knew there was something different about James but couldn’t pinpoint it, she said.

    “If he had been diagnosed when he was 3, it frustrates me because I know he would be a different child. He wouldn’t have the difficulties, he wouldn’t have the problems he has now,” she said.

    James was finally diagnosed in March 2008 at Children’s Specialized Hospital. He has since received various therapies, including social skills therapy, that have helped him improve “light years from how he used to be,” Fitzsimmons said.

    Children’s Specialized Hospital is the state’s largest provider of autism services, spokeswoman Rebecca Mazzarella said. Through clinics, its staff has screened 2,600 children under age 4 since July 2008, she said.

    The Governor’s Council on Autism Research and Treatment funded the original screening clinic concept and is one of the ways New Jersey is proactively addressing its high prevalence, Harris said.

    While Harris spoke highly of New Jersey’s efforts so far, she believes the study shows there is still room for improvement. The state needs to make sure screenings are consistent and to knock down any barriers, financial and otherwise, that may be keeping families from getting screenings, she said.

    Smith noted with particular alarm that New Jersey not only has a higher prevalence overall, but that 1 in 29 boys in the state have the disorder compared to 1 in 54 nationwide.

The original story published by the Asbury Park Press can be found at:

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