Earlier diagnosis, a wider definition of the disorder and migration patterns alone cannot account for the dramatic rise in autism diagnoses in California, according to a new study published in the journal Epidemiology (found here).

The study looked at autism rates in California from 1990 through 2006.

Since there’s no evidence that diagnoses are leveling off or decreasing, early diagnosis, migration and a wider definition of autism may account for some of the rise, but could not be the whole reason, the study says.

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Now, the study authors are urging that further research examine environmental factors for the increase in autism, reports the Contra Costa Times. To read more click here.

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