Prevalence and Early Identification of Autism Spectrum …

A study conducted in 2022 by the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network found that the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among 8-year-old children was 32.2 per 1,000 children across 16 sites in the United States. The study included children from various states such as California, Georgia, Texas, and Wisconsin. The research revealed that ASD was 3.4 times more prevalent among boys than girls. Furthermore, the study showed that ASD prevalence varied among different racial and ethnic groups, with higher rates observed among Asian or Pacific Islander, Black, and Hispanic children compared to White children. The research also indicated that children with ASD who were born in 2018 had more evaluations and identification during ages 0–4 years than children born in 2014, with a disruption in identification patterns during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings suggest the need for enhanced planning to provide equitable diagnostic, treatment, and support services for all children with ASD to ensure they reach their full potential.