U.S. autism numbers rose in 2022, according to new CDC report

A recent report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has indicated that the rates of autism diagnosis are on the rise in the United States. This has sparked a mix of reactions, with government officials expressing concern while experts attribute the increase to improved screening and a better understanding of the condition.

According to the CDC’s findings, an estimated one in 31 eight-year-olds in the U.S. have autism, based on data collected from 14 states and Puerto Rico in 2022. This represents a significant increase from the previous estimate in 2020, which was one in 36. The CDC gathered information from health and school records of eight-year-olds, as most cases are diagnosed by that age.

It was also noted that boys are more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls, with the highest rates observed among children who are Asian/Pacific Islander, Indigenous, and Black. However, the CDC report clarifies that its findings are not nationally representative of autism spectrum disorder prevalence estimates, and the numbers vary significantly by location. For instance, the prevalence ranges from one in 103 in Laredo, Texas, to one in 19 in California.

Experts suggest that the regional variations in diagnosis rates could be attributed to differences in the availability of services for early detection and evaluation. California, for example, has implemented initiatives to train local pediatricians in screening and referring children for early assessments, in addition to having numerous regional centers that offer evaluations.

In response to the report, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has raised concerns about the increasing prevalence of autism, referring to it as an “epidemic” that poses greater risks and costs to the country than COVID-19. This rhetoric has drawn criticism from various quarters.

The Autism Society of America has emphasized that the rise in autism prevalence is not indicative of an epidemic but rather reflects advancements in diagnostic practices and the urgent need for evidence-based policy decisions. In Canada, the most recent data from 2019 indicates that one in 50 children aged 1-17 have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

Remi Yergeau, a Canada Research Chair in critical disability studies and communication at Carleton University, points out that the CDC report offers only a snapshot of the situation and highlights the evolving nature of autism diagnosis. They note that clinicians have become more adept at recognizing autism and its various manifestations, leading to increased diagnoses.

Yergeau also stresses the importance of understanding the historical context of autism diagnosis, which was previously reserved for children with severe communication or socialization difficulties. Over the years, the diagnostic criteria have expanded to encompass a broader spectrum of conditions, contributing to the rising prevalence figures.

The discussion around autism prevalence often leads to a “language of panic,” as Yergeau describes it, which can have negative implications for autistic individuals. They caution against sensationalized rhetoric that portrays autism as a problem to be feared, as it can lead to harmful outcomes.

Kennedy’s pledge to identify the cause of autism by September and eliminate potential exposures has raised concerns due to his association with discredited theories linking vaccines to autism. Despite decades of research refuting these claims, Kennedy’s appointment of individuals like David Geier, who have promoted these theories, has generated skepticism among medical experts and advocates.

In conclusion, while the increasing rates of autism diagnosis raise valid concerns about the need for support and resources for affected individuals, it is essential to approach the issue with evidence-based strategies and avoid sensationalized narratives that perpetuate misinformation and stigma.