A new government report says autism is more common than previously thought, burdening as many as 1 in 88 children.

Those numbers are alarming for some moms in Colorado Springs.

"Just shocked and really hoping someone's trying to do something about that," said Bridgette Wright. "I have two daughters that are childbearing age and it scares me very much."

Health officials attribute the increase largely to better recognition of cases, through wide screening and better diagnosis.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the numbers Thursday. They are the latest in a series of studies that have been steadily increasing the government's estimate for autism.

This new estimate means autism is nearly twice as common as officials said it was only five years ago, and likely affects roughly 1 million U.S. children and teens.

The CDC is looking into the cause of autism. Some scientists believe that genetics play a role. Researchers are also studying pregnant women and the illnesses they come down with, and any medications they take while pregnant to see if there is a link.

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