The number of children with autism in California has nearly doubled in the past four years and continues to grow as researchers struggle to identify the cause of the developmental disorder, according to a report released yesterday.

The report by the California Department of Developmental Services found that 20,377 California children were receiving DDS services for autism as of December 2002 -- a 97 percent increase since 1998.

The incurable disorder is now more prevalent in California than childhood cancer, diabetes and Down syndrome.

Autism, a lifelong neurological condition found mostly among males, severely impairs a person's ability to speak, communicate and interact with others.

The report addresses only those with "classic" autism, the disorder's most severe form, which is characterized by severely limited speech, impaired social interaction and repetitive behaviors such as finger tapping. Children under 3 and those with lesser forms of the disorder, such as Asberger's syndrome, were not included.

The report is the continuation of a 1999 DDS study, which showed a 237 percent spike in autism cases from 1987 to 1998.

Ron Huff, a psychologist who conducted both studies for DDS, said the latest numbers reflect an actual increase in autism in the state, not just improved diagnosis of existing cases.

"After we did the first report, we anticipated the numbers would go down," Huff said. "Instead, they were actually increasing. It's not just a matter of better diagnosis."

Despite a broader awareness of autism and increased research, the DDS report said scientists have not pinpointed a cause for the disorder.

A once-dominant theory, now discounted, that placed blame on cold and distant mothers for causing autism has given way to a more thorough investigation of the potential genetic and environmental factors that may increase a child's vulnerability to the condition.

DDS researchers are looking at a range of environmental toxins that could make children more vulnerable, including PCBs, pesticides and heavy metals such as mercury and lead.

They are also exploring the debated theory that childhood vaccines may be at the root of the problem.

While at least one large study has discounted a connection between autism and the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine, Huff pointed to other research indicating that the mercury contained in thimerosal, used as a preservative for many vaccines, has caused neurological problems in animals.

Advocacy groups and many parents have pressed for a closer examination of the autism/vaccine connection.

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