Is Autism Spectrum Disorder Becoming More Common? Understanding CDC Autism Rates
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition whose symptoms typically arise in early childhood. This condition has been misunderstood over the years, partly due to it being significantly newer than many others in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). In the latest edition of the DSM, which was published in 2013 by the American Psychiatric Association, autism was classified as a spectrum. However, autism was only added to the DSM in the 1980s, and the first person diagnosed with autism only recently passed away in 2023. The diagnosis being so new is likely a large part of the reason why autism rates appear to be rapidly increasing. Below, explore the causes of this increase and learn more about autism research.
Understanding the autism spectrum: A look into autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Autism spectrum disorder has been labeled a spectrum because every Autistic person is unique. Although a person must meet specific criteria to be diagnosed with ASD, the personality traits, interests, and severity of each symptom can vary between people. For this reason, the DSM-5 uses a “leveling system” to describe the support needs of each Autistic individual.
Level one “requires support,” level two “requires substantial support,” and level three “requires very substantial support.” The support level system can clarify which types of services a child or adult might benefit from.
Symptoms of autism involve social deficits and repetitive, persistent behaviors. Below are some of the symptoms that providers look for:
- Difficulty understanding social cues
- A lack of response to one’s environment, especially during social events
- Deficits in nonverbal communication behaviors, such as eye contact and understanding gestures
- Deficits in understanding, forming, or maintaining relationships
- Repetitive self-soothing movements (stimming), especially when distressed by sensory challenges
- Insistence on routine, sameness, or ritualized patterns
- Highly fixated and intense interests in certain categories, such as trains, books, music, or animals, among others
- Hypersensitivity to sensory aspects of one’s environment
How is autism spectrum disorder diagnosed?
An autism expert, such as a neuropsychologist or developmental psychologist, typically diagnoses autism. However, other types of doctors and therapists may specialize in autism as well. In many cases, an autism diagnosis is made to help children and adults receive services in their community, such as school accommodations or intensive treatment.
The CDC’s report on autism diagnoses in children: Why are diagnostic rates increasing so rapidly?
Research published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2022 found that diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder among eight-year-old children have increased in the United States. Of the 16 states studied, California had the highest rates of autism diagnosis in the US. According to the CDC report, boys are diagnosed with autism at a higher rate than girls, and Asian/Pacific Islander, Black, and Hispanic children display higher rates of autism prevalence than White children.
The primary cause of autism rates seeming to skyrocket in the CDC’s autism report may be that families have gained better access to diagnostic support options. The data shows that autism tends to be more likely to be diagnosed in white males in higher-income families. However, as research improves and more public sources discuss this topic, more families from various demographics are seeking diagnostic services.
This increase in help-seeking behaviors might make it seem like autism itself is becoming more common. However, more people with level one autism (the lowest level of support needs) may now be receiving support, including those who were previously overlooked in research, such as people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and children from families with financial insecurity. More publicly funded or low-cost diagnostic tools may also be available in ways they weren’t before.
Addressing common misconceptions: No, vaccines don’t cause autism
Many people still believe vaccines cause autism, despite many peer-reviewed studies suggesting that these claims are unfounded. Still, misconceptions about the rates of autism continue to increase, especially as autism becomes a more popular topic in the media. Just because someone claims to be a medical provider or expert doesn’t necessarily mean they are spreading accurate information. Seeking out credible resources that are peer-reviewed, ethics-reviewed, supported by medical sources, and match the data found in similar studies can be helpful.
The hidden demographics in research on developmental disabilities: People who are now being included
In the 1980s, the first autism studies only looked at young white boys in Utah and used the DSM-III criteria, which differed significantly from the current diagnostic criteria. Autism has since been labeled a spectrum, and more groups of children and adults are being diagnosed as doctors and therapists grow to better understand this condition. Below are some of the demographics that are now being included in autism numbers. The inclusion of these groups in research may be part of the reason for the increase in diagnoses.
Women and girls with autism and other developmental disabilities
Women and girls have long been considered less likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. However, researchers didn’t initially explore varying presentations of ASD in girls and women, so they didn’t always fit the diagnostic criteria in the DSM-III. For example, women may be more likely to “mask” their autism symptoms due to social pressure. In addition, girls may have different repetitive behaviors and interests from boys. Their interests might focus more on celebrities, animals, psychology, history, and other social topics.
In addition, girls have long been at risk of experiencing medical gaslighting. In the context of ASD, this term is used to describe medical providers not taking females’ needs seriously because of their gender, whether knowingly or subconsciously. It’s possible that this has led many older women to be diagnosed with autism in adulthood instead of childhood, adding them to the overall demographic of people with autism.
Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) children and adults
People of color were also left out of early autism research, and more recent studies have looked at the prevalence of autism in different racial and ethnic groups. According to recent research, Black and Hispanic children may be more likely to be Autistic than white children. Because Black communities tend to be at a higher risk of medical discrimination and not receiving support, these children may have been overlooked in previous data compared to White children.
People with level one autism spectrum disorder
Before autism was considered a spectrum in diagnostic practices, only the most severe cases were diagnosed unless one was able to afford more in-depth testing. Since the implementation of the level system in the DSM-5, more children with “higher-functioning” autism have been able to receive diagnoses and support, leading to a higher number of Autistic people getting diagnosed.
Older adults
Many of today’s older adults were born before autism was even added to the DSM. They may not have had a chance to get a diagnosis, even in adolescence. Instead, they may have been misdiagnosed or overlooked altogether. Some people have started seeking autism diagnoses in their older years, adding them to the higher number of people diagnosed with the condition.
Is autism trending?
Autism seems to be trending as a topic on social media, and although talking more openly about the condition and its symptoms can encourage more people to get support, it may also lead to misinformation. A 2024 study reported that short-form video content about ASD on social media is typically of unsatisfactory quality, only offering moderate understandability, low actionability, and misleading information. For this reason, it can be essential to look at credible research on autism alongside the videos and trends you see online. Talk to your doctor if you think you or your child could be living with autism.
Why is greater access to diagnosis and mental health support important?
Greater access to support may be one of the most effective ways for people to receive accurate diagnoses, regardless of who they are. It may be helpful to think of an autism diagnosis as a way to receive accommodations, guidance, and treatment that can help you or your child live more authentically. Autism diagnoses can help children get accommodations in school, enter programs for therapy, find occupational therapy services, and receive various forms of funding, such as scholarships and financial assistance. In addition, treatment may significantly reduce a child’s challenges and provide access to tools like communication devices, unique toys, and custom software. More diagnoses don’t necessarily mean a condition is becoming more prevalent. Instead, increased diagnoses can mean more people are getting the help they deserve.
Treatment and support options for families and individuals with autism
Finding the right treatment for you can be crucial. Consider looking into multiple options before settling on a provider. Many professionals offer free consultations to answer any questions you might have. You can look for resources and treatment options through the following organizations:
- American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Autism Resource Center
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN) Resource Library
- The Autism Society
Additional support options
Therapy can be a helpful way to cope with challenges related to autism, whether you’re a caregiver, loved one, or diagnosed individual. However, seeking in-person care can sometimes be difficult, especially if you’re unsure where to look or how to find affordable support. In these cases, online therapy from a platform like BetterHelp for adults or TeenCounseling for teens aged 13 to 19 can be a more accessible solution.
With an online therapy platform, you can specify that you’re looking for a therapist with experience helping others with autism. In addition, you can choose between phone, video, and live chat sessions, giving you more control over how you receive help. Studies have found that online therapy can be an effective treatment option for adults with autism, especially in chat format.
Takeaway
For more information and support, consider contacting your child’s doctor and reading through the new CDC report to understand the data in more detail. Consider connecting with a therapist, whether in person or online, if you or a loved one could benefit from professional support for autism symptoms or other mental health challenges.
What is 90% of autism caused by?
Up to 90% of the risk of autism spectrum disorder is believed to stem from genetics. However, exact numbers vary depending on the source, with some research putting heritability at approximately 83%.
Why are autism rates rising?
Autism prevalence may be rising for multiple reasons, including increased awareness and access to diagnostic services for a variety of populations. These populations include those with a lower neighborhood median household income and minority children, among whom there may be a higher ASD prevalence, according to recent research.
In this research done by the ADDM Network (Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network), whose surveillance included children living in the surveillance area during 2022, Black children and multiracial children continued to display slightly higher rates of autism than White children. Autism rates may also be rising because changes to diagnostic criteria may enable people with lower support needs to receive the diagnoses and treatment they deserve.
What percentage of the population has autism?
According to the CDC, around 1 in 31 eight-year-old children have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. This puts ASD prevalence at approximately 3.2%, and the median age of earliest diagnosis was 47 months. In addition, prevalence estimates reveal that it’s more common for boys to be diagnosed with autism than girls.
If you believe your child could have autism, perhaps due to missing developmental milestones, a comprehensive developmental evaluation can diagnose any developmental disability that may be present, including suspected ASD. When children receive services and various types of interventions, they tend to have better outcomes.
What is the best age to treat autism?
Early identification and treatment tend to lead to the best outcomes. Early intervention services, such as speech therapy, family training, physical therapy, and nutrition services, may be helpful. It can also be crucial to treat any co-occurring intellectual disability or mental health disorder.
Can level 2 autism live a normal life?
Everyone with autism is unique and faces a different set of challenges in daily life. Some individuals with level two autism may be able to live independently, while others may require more substantial support.
Does autism get better with age?
Autism spectrum disorder is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition. While very young children with ASD may experience more struggles than some adults with ASD, this is often because they haven’t yet developed effective coping skills. With support, many people with ASD can learn to navigate challenges and cope with symptoms in healthy ways.
What is the hardest age for autism?
As every person with autism spectrum disorder is an individual, there’s no specific age that is the “hardest.” Children born with ASD tend to experience different challenges throughout their lives.
What is the success rate of autism therapy?
There are many different types of interventions for ASD. In most cases, these interventions lead to significant improvements in quality of life for those with autism. However, success rates may vary from person to person, and it can be crucial to research treatment options and consult professionals to determine which types of therapy may be best for you or your child.
How can you reduce the chance of a child having autism?
Most of the risk of a child having autism involves genetic factors. However, managing some environmental risk factors may make a difference. For example, research suggests that taking prenatal vitamins may lower the risk of a child having autism.
Can you do anything in pregnancy to prevent autism?
According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, environmental factors that may be associated with autism include the following:
- Prenatal exposure to certain pesticides or air pollution
- Advanced parental age at the time of conception
- Very low birth weight or extreme prematurity
- Birth difficulty leading to oxygen deprivation to the baby’s brain
- Maternal diabetes, obesity, or immune system disorders
While practicing healthy habits during pregnancy may be helpful, it can be crucial to note that in most cases, it’s the combination of these environmental risk factors with genetic factors that increase the risk of autism. There is no way to fully prevent autism, but it may be possible to reduce the risk.
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