1 in 31 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, CDC says
New data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has revealed climbing autism rates among children. In 2022, a surveillance program called The Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network began monitoring children aged 4 to 8 across 15 U.S. states, focusing on multiple benchmarks of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Among 8-year-old children, researchers found that one in 31 children — more than 3% of America’s kids — had ASD. This new information sheds light on the increasing prevalence of autism in the United States.
ASD was found to be 3.4 times more likely in boys than girls, and the prevalence was lower among non-Hispanic White children. The CDC confirmed that ASD prevalence among 8-year-olds was higher in 2022 than the previous year, as one in 36 kids were diagnosed with autism in 2020. By 48 months of age, identification of ASD was higher among children born in 2018 than among those born in 2014, which suggests “increased early identification consistent with historical patterns.”
The CDC commented in the report that this underscores the increased demand and ongoing need for enhanced planning to provide equitable diagnostic, treatment, and support services for all children with ASD. The substantial variability in ASD identification across sites suggests opportunities to identify and implement successful strategies and practices in communities to ensure all children with ASD reach their potential.
Jonathan Alpert, a Manhattan-based psychotherapist and author, expressed concern over the rising rates of autism, stating that diagnosis has become the default rather than the exception in today’s society. He questioned whether the expansion of definitions of disorders is leading to the labeling of normal variations as pathology. Alpert emphasized the importance of honesty in diagnosis and the need for a focus on real clinical need rather than shifting cultural norms.
A spokesperson from the nonprofit Autism Speaks stated that the increase in ASD prevalence reflects real progress in accurately identifying children with autism through increased awareness and standardized screening tools. They called for deeper investment in autism research to understand the causes and support individuals diagnosed with autism.
Autism Speaks reiterated that research confirms vaccines do not cause autism and emphasized the need for vaccine information to be based on scientific evidence. They called for increased federal investments in evidence-based advancements that benefit individuals with autism and their families. Moving forward, meaningful research must be grounded in rigorous, evidence-based methods and carried out in partnership with the autism community.
The new data on climbing autism rates among children highlights the need for continued research, support services, and advocacy for individuals with autism. It is crucial to address the increasing prevalence of autism and ensure that individuals with autism receive the necessary resources and support to reach their full potential.
