NAVIGATION

Autism Rate Continues to Rise: One in 44 Children in the U.S. Has Autism

04/2/22


Randolph, Mass. – A new estimate released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that one in 44 U.S. children now has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Two years ago, that figure was one in 54.

The updated numbers, published in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, are based on data collected in 2018 from health and educational records of 8-year-olds living in 11 communities across America.

Many of the findings were consistent with data collected in 2016: boys continued to be four times more likely to be diagnosed with ASD than girls; Hispanic children were less likely to be identified as having ASD than White or Black children; and more Black children were classified as having intellectual disability than Hispanic or White children.

According to the report’s conclusion, “Research into the factors associated with the variability in ASD prevalence across communities and the higher proportion of intellectual disability among Black children with ASD is warranted. Progress is still needed in certain important areas, including the lower identification of ASD among Hispanic children versus other demographic groups.”

“These findings highlight the importance of educating families and practitioners about early signs of autism, and making it easier and faster for families to access diagnostic services when children are very young,” says Cynthia M. Anderson, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Senior Vice President of Applied Behavior Analysis for May Institute, and Director of the National Autism Center. “The earlier a child is diagnosed, the better the long-term outcome.”

Research shows that early diagnosis and intervention during the first years of a child’s life can significantly impact his or her long-term prognosis, particularly in the areas of language and social behavior.

“We must also make information universally available about the most effective evidence-based treatment for autism,” continues Dr. Anderson, “and create easier, faster, and more affordable access to that treatment for every child and family that needs and desires it, across all communities, ethnicities, and socio-economic groups.”

For information about evidence-based treatments for autism spectrum disorder, visit www.nationalautismcenter.org.


About May Institute
May Institute is a nonprofit organization that is a national leader in the field of applied behavior analysis, serving individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities, brain injury and neurobehavioral disorders, and other special needs. Founded more than 65 years ago, we provide a wide range of exceptional educational and rehabilitative services across the lifespan. For more information, call 800.778.7601 or visit www.mayinstitute.org.
 

Facebook Twitter LinekdIn YouTube Flickr Issuu

 

May Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, military status, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, marital status, socioeconomic status, homelessness, or any other category protected under applicable law in treatment or employment at the Institute, admission or access to the Institute, or any other aspect of the educational programs and activities that the Institute operates. The Institute is required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (Age Act), and their respective implementing regulations at 34 C.F.R. Parts 100, 104, 106 and 110, not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national origin (Title VI); disability (Section 504); sex (Title IX); or age (Age Act). Inquiries concerning the application of each of these statutes and their implementing regulations to the Institute may be referred to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, at (617) 289-0111 or 5 Post Office Square, 8th Floor, Boston, MA 02109-3921, or to Pamela Raymond, Title IX Coordinator at 1.800.437.1200  ext.1252 or compliance@mayinstitute.org or May Institute 14 Pacella Park Drive, Randolph, MA 02368.