Autism Rates Climb in U.S. as Awareness and Screening Improve, Says CDC

"The CDC reports a continued rise in autism rates across the U.S., attributing the increase to improved screening methods and growing public awareness."

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Autism diagnoses in the United States have reached a new high, according to the latest report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While the headline may sound alarming, experts say the numbers actually reflect important progress in recognizing and supporting children with autism, rather than a surge in the condition itself. The CDC’s 2022 surveillance data reveals that about 1 in every 31 children was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by age 8 — up from 1 in 36 in 2020. This continues a long-term trend of rising autism diagnoses in the U.S., but experts are quick to explain that increased awareness, improved screening, and better access to diagnostic services are likely driving the higher numbers.

A Long-Term Shift in Understanding Autism

Autism diagnoses have changed dramatically over the past several decades. In the 1960s and 70s, autism was thought to affect only 2 to 4 in every 10,000 children. By 2000, that number had jumped to 1 in 150, and it has continued to climb steadily since. Rather than signaling a crisis, many medical professionals view this as evidence of a deeper understanding of autism, more inclusive diagnostic criteria, and increased efforts to ensure early intervention — especially in communities that were historically overlooked. “This continued rise in prevalence reflects, in part, real progress: increased awareness, broader diagnostic criteria, and more consistent, standardized screening tools,” said Dr. Andy Shih, Chief Science Officer at Autism Speaks.

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Federal Push for Answers Sparks Controversy

Despite this expert consensus, some government officials are framing the increase differently. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently launched what he called a "massive testing and research effort" to determine the cause of what he described as an "autism epidemic." At a recent event in Indiana, Kennedy cited outdated statistics, claiming the rate had gone from 1 in 10,000 in his youth to 1 in 31 today — a shift he described as “catastrophic.” He also suggested a link between vaccines and autism, a theory that has been debunked repeatedly by scientific research. “Autism is preventable,” Kennedy said, adding that its rise poses a greater threat than COVID-19. Public health officials and autism advocacy organizations pushed back, emphasizing that spreading fear and misinformation about autism harms families and the autism community. “Prevalence data should drive equity and access — not fear, misinformation, or political rhetoric,” said Christopher Banks, President and CEO of the Autism Society of America.

Persistent Gaps and Disparities in Diagnosis

The new CDC data also sheds light on disparities in autism diagnosis:

Boys were 3.4 times more likely to be diagnosed than girls in 2022 — a gap that is narrowing slightly, but still significant. Experts stress that autism often presents differently in girls and may be underdiagnosed as a result.
Asian, Black, and Hispanic children were diagnosed at higher rates than White children — a reversal of historic trends that suggests better outreach and access in previously underserved communities.
Autism diagnoses are now more common in socially disadvantaged neighborhoods than in wealthier ones.

Yet, disparities remain. Among children diagnosed with autism:

Over half of Black children also had an intellectual disability, compared to less than one-third of White children. This could point to continued gaps in early intervention, leading to delayed diagnoses when symptoms are more severe.

Geographic Differences Show Gaps in Services, Not Risk

Autism prevalence varied significantly across the 16 regions studied:

California had the highest rate: about 1 in 19 children
Laredo, Texas had one of the lowest: 1 in 103 children

But these differences are not due to environmental risk factors, the CDC says. They’re more likely tied to differences in screening programs, pediatric training, and access to healthcare. In California, local initiatives have trained hundreds of pediatricians to identify autism early, while states like Pennsylvania have expanded Medicaid coverage for children with disabilities, regardless of family income.

Understanding What Causes Autism

While the federal government is investing in finding causes of autism, decades of research already point to strong genetic influences. Studies suggest that 60% to 90% of autism risk is hereditary, although environmental factors can also play a role in how and when autism traits present. “We need science-based research, not fear, to better understand autism and the wide spectrum of needs within the community,” said Banks.

The Real Crisis: Health Disparities and Early Deaths

While some debate whether rising autism numbers signal a crisis, medical experts are focusing on more urgent concerns — like the health and safety of people already living with autism. Dr. Alice Kuo, a pediatrician at UCLA, said the real crisis is that autistic people are dying younger than their peers. Recent research shows that people with autism are more than twice as likely to die prematurely, from both natural causes and preventable injuries. “That would be the call to action,” Kuo said.

A Call for Continued Support and Investment

For many in the autism community, the CDC report is a reminder of the importance of early detection, access to care, and lifespan support. As the number of diagnosed individuals grows, so does the need for tailored educational programs, mental health services, and employment support. “Autistic children add value to our communities,” said Dr. Kristin Sohl, who chairs the autism subcommittee for the American Academy of Pediatrics. “Advocating for resources and funding to support autistic people across the lifespan is essential for a productive and healthy America.”

Key Takeaways:

1 in 31 U.S. children were diagnosed with autism by age 8 in 2022.
The rise is due to better awareness, diagnosis, and access to services — not necessarily an actual increase in autism cases.
Disparities in diagnosis remain, especially for girls and children with intellectual disabilities.

Experts are calling for less fear-based rhetoric and more investment in services, research, and support systems. click more...