FEAT NEWSLETTER
Families for Early Autism Treatment
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"Healing Autism: No Finer a Cause on the Planet"
Autism Epidemic Reaches Six per Day: California DDS
Thursday, June 17, 1999
In a disturbing and saddening update, the latest figures from the California Department of Developmental Services of new children diagnosed with autism reveals a new, rapid rate of increase across the state. The new figures covers a 36 month period, from April of 1996 to as recently as April of this year.
Reports with due alarm Rick Rollens, parent advocate who works closely on this project with state officials, "In just 92 days between January 6 and April 7 1996, we added 593 new cases of DSMV IV Autism to California's Developmental Services system. That is, on average, more than six new children a day...seven days a week."
| NEW REGIONAL CENTER INTAKES WITH DSM IV AUTISM April 1996 - April 1999 |
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| Year Average | Monthly Average | Daily Average | |
| April 1996 to April 1997 | 1118 | 93 | 3 |
| April 1997 to April 1998 | 1245 | 104 | 3.5 |
| April 1998 to April 1999 | 1679 | 140 | 5 |
| Total for 36 Months: 4042 |
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"We talk here about 'intakes' and 'cases' and diagnosis' of DSMV IV Autism of six per day," remarks another stunned parent advocate, "but we are talking about young children, six of them -- a Matthew, a Stewart, a Chrissy, a Mikey, a Chas, a Zackery -- six new fresh faces a day just like ours tragically afflicted...this can not, must not continue..."