University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, USA.
Autism is a "developmental disorder of neurobiologic origin that is defined on the basis of developmental and behavioral features." Studies over the past 10-15 years suggest that the prevalence of autism is rising. Media coverage has been extensive and has indicated the presence of an "autism epidemic." The goal of this article is to review relevant epidemiologic studies which address the prevalence of Autistic Spectrum Disorders in the last 30 years.