With autism at 1 in 110 kids, treatment in demand

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - New federal estimates suggest that autism affects as many as one in 110 U.S. children -- a staggering number to receive a diagnosis of an incurable lifetime condition.

Advocacy groups have been clamoring for treatment options and for better research to show what might be causing the apparent increase in numbers, and the new estimates may add to pressure on both fronts.

* Drug companies are likely to look closer at the potential of medical treatments for autism. In July, Pfizer Inc, the world's largest drugmaker, said it would start developing treatments for autism.

* Specialists in non-medical therapy may be looking for funding to redouble efforts to find ways to help children with autism using psychological approaches, cognitive therapy and other types of training.

* School districts and local governments will come under more pressure to offer expensive, specialized services for children diagnosed with autism.

* The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is already undertaking wider studies of whether chemicals such as mercury, diet or other environmental causes may be involved in autism. Pressure will increase for more such studies.

* The National Institutes of Health plans to spend more on autism research, using money from the $5 billion President Barack Obama has designated to boost U.S. medical and scientific research.

(Editing by Bill Trott)