Autism Awareness

 

 

 

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect a person's social interaction, communication, and behavior. While it's often associated with childhood, autism can persist into adulthood. The range and severity of symptoms can vary widely, but some common signs include:
  • Communication
    Difficulty with back-and-forth conversation, delayed language skills, or loss of previously acquired speech
  • Social interactions
    Appearing not to look at or listen to people, infrequent sharing of interests, or difficulty understanding other people's feelings
  • Repetitive behaviors
    Ritualistic behaviors, repetitive words or phrases, or repetitive movements like flapping or rocking
  • Sensory differences
    Unusual sensitivity to sounds, smells, tastes, textures, lights, or colors, or lack of sensitivity to pain or temperature
  • Other signs
    Hyperactive, impulsive, or inattentive behavior, unusual eating and sleeping habits, or anxiety, stress, or excessive worry

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2024, about 1 in 36 children in the United States are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This is up from the previous rate of 1 in 44. ASD prevalence in the US has increased by 312% since 2000.

Here are some other autism statistics for 2024:
  • Gender: Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls.
  • Race: White children have a 2.4% prevalence in autism, while Black and Hispanic children show higher rates at 2.9% and 3.2%, respectively. Asian or Pacific Islander children also have a higher prevalence rate.
  • State: Some states have a higher prevalence of autism than others, such as New Jersey, where 1 in 32 children are diagnosed. California also has a higher percentage of 8-year-old children identified with ASD, at 4.5% or 1 in 22 children. 
The exact causes of autism are not yet fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Other factors that may be behind the increase in diagnoses include growing awareness of autism spectrum disorder, a focus on getting more children into treatment, air pollution, low birth weight, and stress. 
Early recognition of autism can help reduce symptoms and support development and learning. Behavioral, educational, and family therapies, as well as medications, may help. A medical professional can diagnose autism and manage it to improve symptoms, though there is no known cure.