World Autism Month: A Digital Display

Autism by the Numbers

Definition

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by a wide range of symptoms and abilities, impacting social interaction, communication, and behavior. It encompasses conditions previously diagnosed separately, such as autistic disorder and Asperger syndrome, reflecting the diversity within the spectrum. Symptoms typically appear in early childhood and include challenges in social communication, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. ASD is understood as a spectrum, recognizing each individual's unique differences and strengths. Since the 1990s, there has been a growing movement to see autism, ADHD, and other related conditions as forms of neurodiversity rather than something to be treated or prevented.[1]

Prevalence in the United States
1 in 36 eight-year-old children were identified with ASD in 2020 nationally.[2]
1 in 22 eight-year-old children were identified with ASD in 2020 in California.[3]
Boys are nearly four times as likely to be identified with ASD.[2]
Black, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander children had a higher likelihood of being identified with ASD than White children for the first time in 2020.[2]
By 48 months of age, Asian/Pacific Islander children were 1.5 times as likely to be identified with ASD as White children.[3]

References
1. Slaughter V. Autism. In: Salem Press Encyclopedia of Health. Salem Press; 2024. 
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Key Findings from the ADDM Network. Published March 23, 2023. Accessed March 11, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/addm-community-report/key-findings.html
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A Snapshot of Autism Spectrum Disorder in California. Published March 23, 2023. Accessed March 11, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/addm-community-report/california.html

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