CDC reports autism prevalence rising to 1 in 36 children
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released new data showing that autism spectrum disorder affects 1 in 36 eight-year-old children, an increase from previous years. The findings, based on surveillance from 11 U.S. sites, highlight ongoing trends without identifying a single cause. Experts emphasize the need for continued research and support services.
The latest report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among eight-year-old children in the United States has climbed to 1 in 36, or approximately 2.8%, based on 2020 data. This marks an uptick from the 2018 figure of 1 in 44, or 2.3%, and continues a steady rise observed over the past two decades. The data comes from the CDC's Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network, which tracks ASD through health and education records in 11 communities across Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Tennessee, Utah, and Wisconsin.
The report, published on April 12, 2023, in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, notes variations by site, with the highest prevalence in California at 4.5% and the lowest in Maryland at 1.7%. No overarching explanation for the increase is provided, though the CDC attributes some of the rise to improved screening, awareness, and diagnostic criteria changes over time. 'These estimates suggest that ASD is more common among certain groups of children,' stated the report's authors, underscoring disparities such as higher rates among boys (1 in 26) compared to girls (1 in 88) and among racial and ethnic minorities.
Background context includes the ADDM Network's monitoring since 2000, when prevalence was first estimated at 1 in 150. The 2020 data reflects children born in 2012, capturing diagnostic practices during a period of heightened focus on early intervention. Experts quoted in the coverage, such as Dr. Walter Zahorodny from Rutgers University, who leads monitoring in New Jersey, remarked, 'The numbers are climbing, and we need to understand why.' He pointed to potential environmental factors but stressed the lack of definitive causes.
Implications of the findings include calls for expanded access to diagnostic services and support, particularly in underserved communities where identification lags. The CDC recommends ongoing surveillance to inform public health strategies, noting that early diagnosis can lead to better outcomes through therapies and educational supports. While the report does not link ASD to vaccines—a common misconception debunked by numerous studies—it reinforces the importance of evidence-based approaches to address the growing need.
This update builds on prior reports, showing a consistent pattern of increase that may partly reflect societal changes rather than a true surge in incidence. Public health officials urge families to seek evaluations for children showing developmental delays, emphasizing that ASD is a spectrum with wide-ranging impacts.