Determining the true prevalence of autistic spectrum disorders.

摘要

We read with interest the January edition of Archives containing three thought-provoking articles on the autistic spectrum. The article by Harrison et al,' which described the two' source "capture recapture" technique as a means of determining "true" prevalence, provided an enlightened alternative to using conventional, "passive" ascertainmetit of point prevalence. We conducted an 18-month retrospective audit of our social communication clinic for children in Enfield. The primary aim was to compare our clinic with the recommendations set by the National Autism Plan ; however, it also raised issues on:1.the difficulties in obtaining accurate prevalence and incidence estimates; and 2.the effect of changes in child health surveillance policy.