The rate of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has increased to one in 31 children, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The overall rate among 8-year-olds reported Tuesday in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report is up from one in 36 two years prior. Authors attribute the rise largely to better understanding of autism and increased screening.
Asian/Pacific Islander, Black, Hispanic and multiracial children continue to have higher prevalence of ASD than white children. Males were three times more likely to be diagnosed with ASD than females. ASD rates ranged from 9.7 per 1,000 children in Texas (Laredo) to 53.1 per 1,000 children in California.
“Research has not demonstrated that living in certain communities puts children at greater risk for developing ASD,” the authors wrote. “Differences in the prevalence of children identified with ASD across communities might be due to differences in availability of services for early detection and evaluation and diagnostic practices.”
The diagnostic criteria for autism was changed in 2013 based on improved understanding of the spectrum of characteristics. Autism now is identified in some people with intellectual disability such as those with Down syndrome or Rett syndrome. Older diagnoses such as Asperger’s syndrome and pervasive development disorder-not otherwise specified now are part of the autism spectrum rather than separate diagnoses.
The increase in rates also reflects the work of people with the disorder and their families to increase awareness of autism and the work of pediatricians and other professionals to improve screening and access to evaluations.
In addition to developmental screening at 9, 18 and 30 months, the AAP recommends that pediatric care providers screen all children for ASD at 18 and 24 months. Additional screening might be needed if a child is at high risk for ASD or if signs and symptoms are present.
“As the report indicates, more children have access to evaluations for autism and more children are being identified as autistic,” said Kristin Sohl, M.D., FAAP, chair of the Autism Subcommittee of the AAP Council on Children with Disabilities. “This is encouraging because when children are identified early, appropriate supports and services can be tailored to help them, and their families thrive.”
The CDC’s findings are based on 2022 data from its Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, which spans 16 sites — Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Texas (Austin and Laredo), Utah and Wisconsin. Children who lived in the surveillance area at any time during 2022 were included.
While the cause of autism is unknown, decades of research from around the world has shown that vaccines do not cause autism.
Authors note the increases in prevalence and improvements in early identification of ASD could indicate the need for more services for children diagnosed with autism. In addition, 700,000 youths with autism become adults each year, and supports and services are needed to improve their long-term success.
“Advocating for resources and funding to support autistic people across the lifespan is essential for a productive and healthy America,” Dr. Sohl said.
Resources
- AAP clinical report Identification, Evaluation, and Management of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- AAP resources on autism spectrum disorder
- CDC program: Learn the Signs. Act Early.
- Information from HealthyChildren.org on Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children
- Information for parents from HealthyChildren.org on early signs of autism spectrum disorder
