Autism Prevalence Increases

The numbers are in, and according to the CDC, autism prevalence has increased by nearly 10 percent, to 1 in 54.

In a recent study done by the CDC, researchers have found that the prevalence of autism in children has increased by almost 10%, to 1 in 54. Some of the other key findings from the report were that for the first-time autism prevalence rates were the same for both white and black children, and screening of children under the age of three had significantly increased.

The study was based on data that was obtained during an analysis undertaken in 2016 of children aged between eight and eleven.

Some of the key findings from the report include:

• One in fifty-four children received a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by the age of eight. That’s an almost ten percent increase since the last study in 2014.
• Even though there was no difference in prevalence between black and white children, more screening needed to be conducted on Hispanic children.
• There was a 10% increase in screening done on children before the age of three, which is a positive sign that healthcare providers are becoming more consistent with their testing of children.
• Boys are up to four times more likely to be diagnosed with ASD compared to girls. This data indicated that studies need to focus on either why ASD is more prevalent in boys or whether or not girls are being screened the same as boys.
• There are still significant differences between testing sites across the country. Numbers are lower in Colorado, 1 in 76, and higher in New Jersey, 1 in 32. It’s essential to understand why numbers are higher or lower in different communities and why.

Research into ASD is significant as it allows us to understand more about the condition and how it affects children. The sooner children get screened for ASD and identified, the sooner children can begin receiving the additional education and attention that they require, and the better their outcomes will be.