According to a new study conducted by researchers with the University of California, Davis, the number of reported autism cases in California increased by over 270 percent between 1987 and 1998. Puzzled by the mounting number of cases, researchers involved in the study admitted that the health community should rethink the possible causes of the disorder. As part of the study, scientists analyzed data from nearly 700 autistic children in the state, determining that population changes and evolving diagnostic measures were not the cause for the rapid increase in cases. The study says other causes-- such as vaccinations and genetics--need to be researched further.