Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a “developmental disability characterized by persistent impairments in social interaction and the presence of restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities that can cause a wide array of difficulties in social interaction, communication, and participation in daily activities.” (Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Reports from the CDC on March 24, 2023).
This report provided data showing that the prevalence of ASD in 2020 had increased among 8-year-old children in the U.S. It affected about 4% of boys and 1% of girls. Overall, it was diagnosed in 8-year-old children at the rate of one in 36 children. This was up from 2018 when the rate was one in 44.
Out of 11 research sites only 3 showed a correlation with a lower household income. For the first time, the rate of ASD was lowest in White 8-year-old children (this age was chosen because virtually all children with ASD are diagnosed by then).
Co-occurring intellectual disability is present in 37.9% of children with ASD. The rate is highest among Black children with ASD. For the first time, ASD was less prevalent among “White children than among other racial and ethnic groups.”
Given the increasing incidence of ASD, the CDC identified the “need for enhanced infrastructure to provide equitable diagnostic, treatment, and support services for all children with ASD.”
The CDC did not offer any reason why the prevalence of ASD has been increasing in 8-year-old children. Is it because it is being identified more often, or is it because the rate has been increasing? If it is the increasing rate, why is that happening? As yet, we don’t know the answers to these questions for certain.
Peter M. Hartmann, MD
Family Medicine & Psychiatry
