Report shows Arkansas' autism rate doubles

A new study shows that one in 65 Arkansas children has been diagnosed with autism, more than doubling the rate from 2002.

The numbers were released Thursday as a part of a national study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The figures are the latest since 2002 on Arkansas' autistic children when one in 145 Arkansas children had been identified with the disorder.

The new data also shows that boys are four times more likely to have autism than girls. White children are more likely to identify with the disorder than black or Hispanic children.

The estimates were based on 2010 health and special education records of 8-year-old Arkansas children.

Upcoming Events