Autism in America: What do the new stats mean for families?

Christopher Astacio reads to his daughter
Christopher Astacio reads with his daughter Cristina, 2, recently diagnosed with a mild form of autism, in her bedroom on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 in New York. Autism cases are on the rise again, largely due to wider screening and better diagnosis, federal health officials said Thursday, March 2012. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)
Bebeto Matthews/ASSOCIATED PRESS

Autism cases are on the rise again, largely due to wider screening and better diagnosis, federal health officials said Thursday.

The rate of U.S. cases rose to about 1 in 88 children, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The previous estimate was 1 in 110 two years ago.

The CDC study released Thursday is considered the most comprehensive U.S. investigation of autism prevalence to date. Researcher gathered data from areas in 14 states -- Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah and Wisconsin.

What does this mean for families with children on the spectrum, and for the kids themselves?

Roy Richard Grinker, professor of anthropology, international affairs, and human sciences at George Washington University, will join The Daily Circuit Monday to talk about the latest numbers. He's the author of "Unstrange Minds: Remapping the World of Autism."

Marshalyn Yeargin-Allsopp and Colleen Boyle of the CDC will also join the discussion.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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