Autism Rate Among Latinos Rises

The gap in the rate of autism between white and Hispanic children is narrowing, according to a study.
The prevalence of autism among white children in the U.S. is 1 in 100, according to the Centers for Disease Control. But among Hispanics it is 1 in 170. In the study, researchers examined nearly 400,000 birth records and data from early-intervention programs taken from 2001 to 2005 in Massachusetts.
According to the data from 2001, white children had the highest rate of autism, 90 percent higher than Hispanic children. By 2005, there was virtually no difference.
Experts say it’s because of the improved ability to diagnose the disorder.