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Report: 1 in 50 children on autism spectrum

(NEWSCHANNEL 3) - A new report out Wednesday morning shows that many more children may be dealing with autism than originally believed.

That new survey by the CDC found that 1 in 50 children in the U.S. have autism.

Previous estimates were 1 in every 88 children.

Health officials say the new number doesn't mean autism is happening more often, but it does suggest that doctors are diagnosing the disorder more frequently, especially in children with milder problems on the autism spectrum.

The new estimate would mean at least one million U.S. children are dealing with the autism.

Just this week officials here in Michigan announced a plan to create a state resource center where families and people living with autism can get information and be connected to available services.

The plan also calls for increasing screening for autism spectrum disorders by primary care and early childhood providers.