Last month, the CDC released updated data about the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the United States. Estimates indicate that 1 in 31 children have ASD, based on 2022 data, compared with 1 in 36 two years prior.
(The estimates come from the CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network; the in-depth study is available here.)
Generally, the data indicate a steady climb in diagnoses over the past two decades, from 1 in 150 in 2002.
But suspend your reaction for a moment: Several factors inform the rise in ASD diagnoses, and in many ways, the numbers offer reasons for hope.
Understanding the why
Perhaps the most noteworthy reason for the increase in diagnoses: Less stigma around mental health and disabilities in general in the United States.
This is no secret. Increasing numbers of prominent people have spoken out about these things — and about the importance of seeking help. Rather than masking or hiding, more people generally show acceptance toward vulnerabilities, toward seeking (or offering) help, toward making accommodations.
Accordingly, CDC data show that more people are seeking mental health treatment. Another connection here: ASD and anxiety are highly associated. Research varies, but studies indicate that the portion of people diagnosed with ASD who also have anxiety may range from 30 percent to more than 80 percent.
Secondly, and this is a multi-pronged answer: We’ve gotten much better at diagnosing ASD (including diagnosing it earlier), and our framework for diagnosis has shifted quite a bit during the past decade or so to reflect ASD’s broad range.
Clinicians have become much better at recognizing, assessing, and treating subtle features of autism that previously went unnoticed. Just as every person is different, presentations of ASD differ, far beyond the stereotype of a nonverbal child.
Now, beyond a label, diagnoses focus on how much a child needs support in a certain category (such as with social communication and interactions, or with restrictive and repetitive behaviors). Level 1 would indicate the need for some support in a category, Level 2 the need for substantial support, and Level 3 the need for very substantial support.
Also, many organizations, including the CDC, have emphasized the value of early detection and intervention. The recent CDC report indicated a marked improvement in identification of children with ASD before they reach age 4.
Understanding the hope
Collectively, all this has encouraged a broader range of support strategies, including for ASD.
“As acceptance grows, it’s allowed models like Pariva’s (Family Support Program) to become another, or a different, solution for families who need help but need an individualized approach that fits their lifestyle,” said Cara Eldredge, Pariva’s head of operations and strategy. “It’s like we’re in the business of creating a spectrum of solutions for the spectrum of needs that is autism.”
People getting the guidance and tools they need to thrive is a beautiful thing.
More people not only are willing to consider seeking help for themselves or a loved one, but to accept a diagnosis and use it to chart a productive path forward. Understanding one’s challenges can help tremendously with positive identity formation.
“Self-awareness cuts down on a lot of problems,” said Dr. Carrie Fryzel, a licensed psychologist and clinical director of Pariva’s diagnostic division.
The increase in early intervention is promising. Just as learning a new language is easiest at a young age, learning helpful strategies is easiest at younger ages, Fryzel said.
“It’s so crucial to be open to early detection, because early intervention gets the best outcomes,” she said.
She often talks with parents who say they think they were missed and could have benefited from having that knowledge early in life.
And as the prevalence of ASD becomes more known, we commend all the schools, sports stadiums, attractions, churches, and other organizations that have implemented seamless tools to help and accept people with various needs, including ASD accommodations.
Also, let’s not forget: “The World Needs All Kinds of Minds.” (Temple Grandin)
Individuals with ASD have their own strengths — perhaps amazing visual perception, puzzle-solving ability, archival memories, or other abilities — that they can use in the world in incredible ways.
Let’s view these updated statistics about ASD prevalence not as a confusing increase but rather as an opportunity to open our eyes to reality and to equip people to thrive.
Pariva Health has helped more than 25,000 families of neurodivergent children and counting — find out more about the ways in which we empower families, offering hope and help, with lots of play and no wait list.