http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2001/02/28/autism-epidemic-part-one.aspxAccording to figures just released by the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS), the number of new children entering California's developmental services system is continuing to increase at an alarming rate. The latest figures from DDSenCommunityServer 2008.5 SP1 (Build: 31106.3070)http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2001/02/28/autism-epidemic-part-one.aspx#39642Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:22:50 GMT24451277-a5aa-4add-96dc-64081bfd86fa:39642Alexandersnana<p>My adorable great grandson is autistic but not as severely as some. &nbsp;He loves to play and he knows his letters and numbers. &nbsp;Please tell your readers that their autistic children can collect disability from Social Security if the parents file. &nbsp;Xander got his first check a week after his Mom applied. &nbsp;Insurance won't (for the most part) cover these children. &nbsp;They must first be diagnosed with autism by a specialist before they apply for disability. &nbsp;Xander is 3 years old and in public school where the wonderful teachers work with him. &nbsp;He has learned to say a few words. &nbsp;Parents concerned with the effects of Thimerasol also need to know that it is a preservative in flu vaccine.</p> <p>Thanks,</p> <p>Alexandersnana</p> <img src="http://articles.mercola.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=39642" width="1" height="1">