In 2000, it was estimated that 1 in 150 kids were on the autism spectrum. The most recent findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show a sharp increase. Released in March, the figure now stands at 1 in 36.
To gain a better understanding of the prevalence of this neurological developmental disability, the CDC announced it is adding five new monitoring sites to its Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network. This will bring the total number of sites to 16.
What Do the Monitoring Sites Do?
Researchers with the network use the findings from the ADDM sites as well as health and educational records to determine how many kids are on the spectrum. The CDC uses these figures to determine how prevalent autism is, a key understanding that can drive policy change and lead to better supports.
Why Add Additional Monitoring Sites?
While traditionally the CDC has monitored 8-year-olds, they are now expanding their review to 4-year-olds. With the additional monitoring sites, the CDC is also collecting information on 16-year-olds with autism, specifically regarding co-occurring conditions and transition planning.
Adding monitoring sites allows the CDC to develop a better picture of how different communities have strikingly different numbers of cases, as well as the differences in the age of diagnosis and types of supports provided between geographical areas. In general, with more monitoring sites, the CDC can improve the understanding of what kids with autism and their families need.
With a better understanding, public outreach campaigns also can be better targeted to promote awareness. Additionally, the data can shed light on the racial and ethnic differences, highlighting the need for more equitable support, from diagnosis to treatment, for all kids and families living with autism.
When Will We Learn More From the New Monitoring Sites?
Currently, researchers are viewing records from 2022. We can expect to see findings based on this research to be released in 2024.
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