Prevalence

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found that the prevalence of ASD was 1 in 36 as of their 2020 data. ASD is four times higher in males than in females. Thirty-eight percent of those diagnosed with ASD have a diagnosed co-occurring intellectual disability (cdc.org). Recent research shows the gap closing between White and minorities. Rates of ASD are close among White, non-Hispanic, Black, and Asian/Pacific Islander children, but remain lower for Hispanic children (cdc.gov).

The increase in autism is due to awareness and responses by the healthcare community for diagnosis. Earlier diagnosis increases earlier intervention, which is essential to the child’s developmental outcomes. Autism is a lifelong condition of neurodiversity. Researchers have not found a specific cause for ASD but suggest that there may be a link to genetics influenced by environmental factors. Dr. Daniel Amen shares certain circumstances that may increase the risk of ASD, including older parents, a sibling with ASD, very premature birth or low birth weight, fetal exposure to certain medications, and pregnancies that occur closer than one year apart (Amen, 2023).

Video: Temple Grandin: The Life Autistic (9:08)