This is the NEWEST collaboration between Autism Speaks and Google, that encompasses the largest autism genome sequencing program- analysis of 5,205 whole genomes from families who have been affected by autism.
Identification of 18 NEW genes associated with increased risk of autism.
These new genes are known to affect the operation of certain biological pathways in the brain. These pathways can affect how the brain develops, communicates and functions.
"In all, 80 percent of the 61 gene variations discovered through the MSSNG affect biochemical pathways that have clear potential as targets for future medicines" (Dr. Pletcher, 2017).
According to the latest research studies in 2015 done by the Center for Disease Control in the United States, it is said that 1 in 68 or approximately 1.5% of children are diagnosed with some form of ASD. These findings were consistent with the CDC's statistics that were released in 2012 (CDC, 2015)
CDC reports an "estimated 1 to 1.2 million children under the age of 21 have been diagnosed with autism in the United States" (CDC, 2015).
Statistics have demonstrated a vast increase in the number of students who are qualified for ASD services, “5,413 children in 1991-1992 to 370,011 children in 2010-2011” (Stichter, Riley-Tillman, Jimerson, 2016; Gilson, Carter, 2016).
A report by the CDC also illustrated a clear picture of the gap that exists among children being evaluated for ASD. Less than half of children diagnosed with autism (43%) had received developmental evaluations by 3 years of age. Even with 87% of children who actually had "developmental concerns" noted somewhere in their medical/education files before the age of 3.
Research has established that “early intervention services”, which include services from birth to 3 years old (36 months) have a great impact on the development of children.
Children of minority groups (Hispanic, African American, etc.)are typically first evaluated even later than children who are not part of minority groups; therefore leading to a older age at diagnosis.
"ASD is about 4.5 times more common among boys (1 in 42) than among girls (1 in 189)".
(CDC, 2016) Economic costs:
"Children and adolescents with ASD had average medical expenditures that exceeded those without ASD by $4,110–$6,200 per year (4.1-6.2 x greater)" (Shimabukuro, Grosse, Rice, 2008).
If we as providers can help to minimize the costs required to take care of children with ASD, it can be extremely helpful to those families.
"Early identification and referral to early intervention programs can ameliorate the negative consequences (including costs) of developmental problems on children, families, and society" (Drotar, Stancin, Dworkin, Sices, Wood, 2008).
What are other providers saying??
“Practicing pediatricians and those in training reported the need for special education to improve their competence for screening and management of children with autism."
Pediatricians in a study identified that they experienced deficits in coordination of interventions, lack of fluidity, limited time for appropriate care, and poor reimbursement.
This same study verified that when pediatricians were exposed to special training on screening and monitoring techniques, they were MORE likely to implement them in their own practice.