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Study shows rising number of teens with developmental disorders

By Staff Writer

A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that the proportion of youths who have autism or another developmental disorder has increase by about 17 percent since the late 1990's. Between 1997 and 2008, the number of teens who have the disorder grew from 8.2 million to approximately 10 million, or 15 percent of the population between the ages of 3 and 17.

Sheree Boulet, one of the study's authors, said that scientists are not sure why these numbers have been growing so rapidly. However, she believes that because early interventions for autism and similar disorders have become more common, an increasing number of parents are having their kids screened by doctors for these issues. This fact may contribute to the raising statistics, she said.

According to the centers, developmental disabilities can include many conditions that are caused by mental or physical problems. Individuals with these issues may have trouble with language, learning, mobility and independent living.

These disorders begin before people turn 22 and last throughout their lives.

Parents who do not feel they can properly manage their teens who have developmental disabilities may want to consider enrolling them in therapeutic schools.

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