Question

Autism is a serious and lifelong disability that is characterized by a severely decreased ability to engage in communication and social interaction. In 1998 citizens in a New Jersey town were concerned about the number of children diagnosed with autism, and a study was undertaken to establish the prevalence in the community. Data from the study are reported below:
Numbers of Children Diagnosed with Autistic Disorder
Age Category (y) Diagnosed with Autistic Disorder Number of Children in Population
3-5 19 3479
6-10 17 5417

Required:
a. Calculate the prevalence rate of autism for these children for the two age categories.
b. Convert the prevalence rate to a rate per 1,000

Answer 1

Answer:

a. Calculate the prevalence rate of autism for these children for the two age categories.

• 3-5: prevalence rate = 0.55%
• 6-10: prevalence rate = 0.31%

b. Convert the prevalence rate to a rate per 1,000

• 3-5: prevalence rate = 5.5 per thousand
• 6-10: prevalence rate = 3.1 pér thousand

Step-by-step explanation:

Generally prevalence is calculated using the following formula:

(number of people with autism / number of people measured) x 100%

age category

3-5: prevalence rate = (19/3,479) x 100% = 0.55%

6-10: prevalence rate = (17/5,417) x 100% = 0.31%

if you want to convert to a rate per 1,000, allyou need to do is multiply by 1,000 instead of 100

3-5: prevalence rate = (19/3,479) x 1,000 = 5.5

6-10: prevalence rate = (17/5,417) x 1,000 = 3.1