EPIDEMIOLOGY OF AUTISM - PREVALENCE, ASSOCIATED CHARACTERISTICS, AND IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH AND SERVICE DELIVERY

We provide an overview of research on the epidemiology of autism and r elated pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs). First, we provide dat a on the prevalence of autism, which now is estimated to be considerab ly higher than previously documented. Next, we focus on characteristic s associated with autism, including psychosocial correlates, as well a s associated physical and medical/psychiatric conditions. In this cont ext, special consideration is given to the coexistence of autism and m ental retardation, and to associated conditions that might be the most informative in advancing our understanding of the neurobiology and ne uropsychology of autism. Data on outcome are also discussed, with spec ial reference to early intervention and to empirically supported metho ds. We end by identifying potentially fruitful directions for future e pidemiological research on autism/PDD, and by outlining implications o f what already is known for the planning and delivery of services for this unique population, (C) 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.