The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced an update in the diagnosis rate of autism among school-aged children to 1 in 31 within the United States. The diagnosis rate is an estimation based on 2022 data from the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network and is based on reporting from 14 states and Puerto Rico and represents an increase from the previous rate of 1 in 36 based on 2020 data. Overall, findings indicate a range in diagnosis among the states and territories from 14.6 in 1,000 in Texas to 53.1 in 1,000 in California. These rising numbers underscore a critical and growing need for robust community support, inclusive public health initiatives, and equitable access to diagnostic services. As autism diagnoses become more common across a broader demographic spectrum, the call to move beyond awareness toward genuine acceptance and increased support for autistic individuals and their families has never been more apparent.
APR
