According to the Autism A.L.A.R.M., a collaborative effort of the Department of Health of Human Services, the Center for Disease Control, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Medical Home Initiatives and First Signs, Inc., autism now affects one in every 166 children born today. In comparison to these current estimates, the rates 10 to 15 years ago were considerably lower. While they tended to vary a great deal by the study conducted, the most widely cited rate 10 to 15 years ago was 1 per 2,000 to 2,500 for autism. Estimates from 10 to 15 years ago are not as readily available for autistic spectrum disorders. While some believe these increasing rates are due to better identification and diagnosis, the majority of investigators believe there is an alarming increase in autism and autistic spectrum disorders.