"A national UK survey out Monday found no traces of an 'autism epidemic,' despite earlier reports that the developmental disorder has been rising quickly in recent decades.

Researchers found nearly one percent of Britons older than 16 years have autism, a rate that is similar to that seen in children. Younger people were no more likely to be affected than older ones, however, which would have been expected if the condition were truly on the increase."

Frederik Joelving reports for Reuters May 2, 2011. [2]