As reported this year by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)  has increased, yet again, to 1 in 59 children (1 in 37 boys).  This is based on 2014 data and as such the actual prevalence in 2018 may be higher.  The CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network has been evaluating autism prevalence data since 2000, at which time the estimated prevalence was 1 in 150 children.  It should also be noted that this data is based on specific reporting sites and is not based a sample of the whole population.  In 2011, when a study sampled the whole population of South Korea, the prevalence was much higher at 1 in 38 children.  Thus, the CDC’s estimated ASD prevalence is likely an underestimate.

This data is important in recognizing the burden to families and governments worldwide.  But the difficulties within the family or household with very little help from school systems and governments are more overwhelming.  Although Medicaid waiver programs offering support services are required in every state, these are underfunded, causing long waiting lists for those who need services now.

 

Find out what the new research says here