Centers for Disease Control Releases Updated Autism Prevalence Rates
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today released new data on autism prevalence through its Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network. The report estimates that 1 in 31 eight-year-old children in the United States are identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)—an increase from the previous estimate of 1 in 36.
The Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) recognizes that this rise may be mischaracterized by some as evidence of an “autism epidemic.” Autism is not a disease—it is a lifelong, complex neurodevelopmental disability shaped by genetic, biological, and environmental factors. Referring to autism as a crisis or contagion is both scientifically inaccurate and deeply stigmatizing to autistic individuals.
In reality, the increase in prevalence is most likely due to improved awareness, better screening tools, more accurate and inclusive diagnostic criteria, and stronger advocacy—especially in historically underrepresented communities. These gains reflect progress in identifying and supporting autistic individuals, not a sudden increase in the number of autistic people.
Key findings from the CDC report include:
- Overall prevalence among 8-year-olds: 1 in 31
- In Minnesota, the rate is 1 in 28
- Prevalence among 4-year-olds: 1 in 34
- Median age of diagnosis: 47 months (just under 4 years); only half of children diagnosed by age 3
- Prevalence by sex: 1 in 20 boys, 1 in 70 girls
- Notably, the gender disparity has narrowed from a historical 4:1 ratio (boys to girls) to 3:1, indicating progress in identifying autism in girls who often present differently.
- Highest prevalence by race/ethnicity: Asian/Pacific Islander (1 in 26), American Indian/Alaska Native (1 in 27), and Black children (1 in 27), compared to 1 in 36 White children
Despite this progress, the data also underscores persistent systemic disparities in timely and equitable diagnosis. Children from Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous communities are still more likely to be diagnosed later or only when co-occurring intellectual disabilities are present—highlighting barriers in access, clinician bias, and lack of culturally responsive care.
“Autism is not something to be cured or eradicated—it’s something to be understood, accepted, and supported,” said Ellie Wilson, Executive Director of the Autism Society of Minnesota. “We urge media and policymakers alike to move away from fear-based language and instead focus on inclusive, community-driven solutions that prioritize the rights and needs of autistic people.”
Access to healthcare and insurance coverage remains a critical factor. For example, states like Pennsylvania—with more inclusive Medicaid policies—report some of the highest rates of early diagnosis, illustrating how policy decisions directly impact access to developmental screenings and services. Without adequate coverage, comprehensive autism evaluations can cost thousands of dollars, placing early diagnosis out of reach for many families.
The median age of diagnosis—47 months—continues to lag well beyond the ideal window for early intervention. AuSM joins our national partner, the Autism Society of America, in advocating for universal developmental screenings, increased pediatrician training, and improved systems that connect families to services as soon as concerns arise—not just at the point of formal diagnosis.
These updated numbers are a call to action: to invest in equitable, evidence-based systems that serve autistic individuals across all communities.
As national conversations around autism intensify, AuSM remains steadfast in its commitment to center autistic voices, uphold dignity, and combat misinformation with truth, empathy, and science.