On Tuesday, April 15, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released its latest update on autism prevalence among 4- and 8-year-olds monitored through the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network. The data shows an increase in prevalence:
- 1 in 31 8-year-olds
- 1 in 34 4-year-olds
This is a rise from the previous report two years ago, which found autism in 1 in 36 8-year-olds.
The ADDM Network collects data from 16 states across the country. Although North Carolina is not currently part of the ADDM, similar trends have been observed in our state, with more children being diagnosed.
Key Findings:
- Boys continue to be diagnosed at higher rates than girls (1 in 20 boys vs. 1 in 70 girls).
- The median age of diagnosis in the study was 47 months.
- Autism affects children of all racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic backgrounds.
Why Is Autism Prevalence Increasing?
Several factors may explain the rise in diagnoses, including:
- More awareness of the signs of autism among families, professionals, and the public
- Better screening tools and practices
- More professionals trained to diagnose autism
In North Carolina, which previously participated in the ADDM Network, the last reported median age of diagnosis was 36 monthsāover a year earlier than the national median. This likely reflects ongoing statewide efforts to promote early identification, expand services, and increase professional training.
What Supports Are Available?
The Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) offers many services to support people with autism and their families. Autism Resource Specialistsāeach of whom is a parent of someone with autismāhelp families find local resources and guide them through school and state systems. ASNC also trains teachers, healthcare workers, first responders, and others who support people with autism.
Medicaid waiver services are especially important for the autism community. These services provide:
- Help at home and in the community
- Support to find and keep a job
- Access to proven treatments like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- Other supports that help individuals live more independently and improve their quality of life
ASNC staff members help families understand these services and how to apply for them. These supports can make a big difference in daily life and the future.
Learn More
To read more about autism signs and statistics, visit: https://www.autismsociety-nc.org/signs-statistics/
To speak with an Autism Resource Specialist, fill out this form to schedule a follow-up: https://www.autismsociety-nc.org/talk-with-a-specialist/
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