Final answer:
The prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder based on the DSM-IV was roughly one in 88 children, with the condition being four times more common in males. Subsequent changes in diagnostic criteria, increased awareness, and improved screening have influenced prevalence rates.
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on the DSM-IV criteria, the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) was estimated at one in 88 children, with a notable higher occurrence in males. Autism prevalence reports have evolved over time, reflecting changes in diagnostic criteria and awareness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report from 2008, the prevalence of ASD was about 1 in 88 children. The American Psychiatric Association revised the diagnostic criteria for ASD in the DSM-5, impacting prevalence rates and the way autism is diagnosed.
This has led to changes in the way ASD is understood and reported. It is important to note that ASD's prevalence rates are dynamic and can be influenced by a variety of factors including shifts in diagnostic practices, increased awareness, and improved screening methods. The DSM-IV focused on subdivisions within the autism diagnosis, such as Asperger's syndrome, whereas the DSM-5 grouped these subdivisions into the broader category of ASD.