A Look into the startling rise of autism prevalence rates

You may be thinking to yourself - “I feel like every time I turn on the news I hear that more people have been diagnosed with autism.” And, you are probably right. Autism rates are rising. It is not an autism epidemic, but it is an increase in the number of people diagnosed with autism. 

Based on CDC research, reports indicate that autism rates in the United States increased from 1 in 150 children in 2000 to 1 in 44 children. This is not a phenomenon that is only happening in the United States. It is worldwide. 

But, why are we seeing such a dramatic increase? The current hypothesis for this increase is that there is an overall increased awareness of the developmental disorder. Not so much a massive increase in the overall occurrences of autism. 

However, some of the previous social dynamics and medical advances have changed over the years. With families becoming parents at older ages (particularly older fathers), the chances of babies having autism increase. Also, babies born prematurely are more likely to be diagnosed with autism, and premature babies are more likely to survive than in previous years. 

• The CDC reported that approximately 1 in 44 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to 2018 data.
  • 1 in 27 boys identified with autism - Boys are 4xs more likely to be diagnosed
  • 1 in 116 girls identified with autism
• Most children were still being diagnosed after age 4. 
• Autism affects all ethnic and socioeconomic groups.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• How To Tell If Your Child Has Autism (And Important Next Steps)
• What Causes Autism?
• Autism Screening: What Is It, And What The Process Looks Like
• Learn The Signs. Act Early (CDC.gov)

Need more resources?

Here at the LMAA (learnmoreaboutautism.com), we provide you with tons of resources for autism. For more insight into autism interventions and professional and parent supports, visit our sister site, Behaviorally Balanced.