12/06/2021 – The CDC announced that 1 in 44 children are diagnosed with autism in the United States.
These new numbers come from a study based on 2018 data. Previous numbers were 1 in 54 identified with autism in 2016.
Autism numbers in the U.S. have been increasing for many years. This new data suggests that more children are being diagnosed. However, experts believe these numbers reflect more awareness of autism and better access to services.
1 In 44 Kids Have Autism
In a separate report released last week, the CDC states that children are 50% more likely to be diagnosed with autism by age 4 (2018) than in 2014.
The CDC tracks the rates of autism with their Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network. The data gathered is from medical and special education records of 4-year-olds and 8-year-olds living in eleven regions. These areas include Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Tennessee, Utah, and Wisconsin.
“The substantial progress in early identification is good news because the earlier that children are identified with autism, the sooner they can be connected to services and support accessing these services at younger ages can help children do better in school and have a better quality of life.”
Dr. Karen Remley, director of CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities.
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