Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social relating, language, and by the presence of repetitive and stereotyped behaviors.

Message from the Director
May 13, 2003

Autism is the fastest growing disability served by the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS), affecting more than 21,000 persons in California and representing a nearly 100 percent increase in caseload since 1999. California takes these growing numbers very seriously as evidenced by the fact that each of the 21,000 persons who have been diagnosed are receiving services through our 21 regional centers and five developmental centers.

DDS does not conduct research on its clients and, therefore, we do not know the cause of autism. However, through our partnership with the U.C. Davis M.I.N.D. Institute, we are working diligently with the research community to find the answer. California's efforts in monitoring, researching and providing services to this growing population are recognized throughout the world and have made California a leading resource for information about autism.

As a result of the DDS Autism Initiative, California has made significant improvements and advances in identifying and effectively treating persons in California who have been diagnosed with autism.

Our continuing efforts include the release of the DDS Autism Initiative Highlights and our new report on California's autism population: Autistic Spectrum Disorders, Changes in the California Caseload: 1999-2002. This report states that from December 1998 through December 2002, persons diagnosed with autism served by DDS increased from 10,360 to 20,377. In addition, between 1987 and December 2002, the population of persons with autism served by DDS increased by 634 percent. The report is based on data of persons served by DDS and professionally diagnosed with full syndrome autism.

The increase does not include children under 3 years of age, persons classified with lesser forms of autism, persons who have not entered California's voluntary developmental services system or persons who are suspected of having autism, but are not yet diagnosed.

California is not alone in this experience. The rate of growth in the population of persons with autism in California is commensurate with reported increases in other states, such as Georgia, Massachusetts and Minnesota.

Cliff Allenby
DIRECTOR
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES.

MEDIA INQUIRIES - Contact Paul Verke by e-mail: pverke@dds.ca.gov.

2003 DDS Autism Report (PDF)
This report is an update of the 1999 Autism Report and provides information on the population of persons with Autistic Spectrum Disorder served by the California Department of Developmental Services through 2002.

DDS Autism Spectrum Disorder Initiative Highlights (PDF): The DDS Autism Spectrum Disorder Initiative was created in response to the increasing numbers of persons diagnosed with autism served by the Department of Developmental Services.
Governor's Proclamation: Governor Gray Davis proclaims April 2003 as “Autism Awareness Month.”
1999 DDS Autism Report (PDF): A report to the Legislature on changes in the population of persons with Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders in California's Developmental Services System: 1987 through 1998.
Autistic Spectrum Disorders: Best Practice Guidelines for Screening, Diagnosis and Assessment: This publication provides professionals, policymakers, parents and others with detailed "best practice" recommendations and rationale for screening, evaluating and assessing individuals suspected of having autistic spectrum disorders. These guidelines are the product of nearly a year's work by experts in the field of autistic spectrum disorders and are based on validated scientific evidence, clinical experience and clinical judgment.
Epidemiology Report of Autism in California: The Report to the Legislature by The M.I.N.D. Institute on the Principal Findings from the Epidemiology of Autism in California.
Epidemiological Study on Autism (PDF): UC Davis researchers are ready to launch the first-ever major epidemiological case-control study of up to 2,000 California children to examine genetic and environmental factors that may affect the development of autism, mental retardation and developmental delay in children.

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