The California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) released this new report on California's autism population.  The report states that from December 1998 through December 2002, persons diagnosed with autism served by the California 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%. 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.)

The report states that 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.