Every year when Autism Acceptance Month happens in April, I take the opportunity to share information about autism statistics, based primarily on the latest data from the CDC.
Approximately 3.2% of children (1 in 31) are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This is based upon 8-year-old children going back to calendar year 2022. The rate of diagnoses has grown 484% since calendar year 2000. Experts attribute much of this rise to better awareness, expanded diagnostic criteria, and improved screening and earlier identification (per Autism Speaks).
Gender differences have historically shown that boys are three times more common to be diagnosed than girls. However, within the past year, I read that the rate of diagnoses for girls was increasing dramatically, noting that girls tended to be diagnosed at a later age than boys. The article was published from a source and study done in the United Kingdom within the past year.
Per AP News, research shows that there is no single known cause of autism. Research suggests a mix of genetic factors and environmental influences. Scientific consensus shows that vaccines do not cause autism, although there are some who strongly disagree with this conclusion.
While there are more diagnoses of children with autism than adults, it is estimated that 5.4 million adults have autism. It is thought that adult prevalence is likely underestimated for several reasons including that children years ago were not diagnosed and criteria for autism was narrower than it is today. Variation by state ranges from 2.0% to 2.4% of adults in each state. The rate of diagnosis for adults in IL is 2.32%.
Back to children in schools, Autism Speaks presents that about 10-12% of students in special education are classified with autism. ED Blogs represent that autism is one of the fastest growing categories in special education.
Adult employment rates indicate that roughly 30% of all autistic adults are employed full-time by their mid-20’s. Some data shared indicates that up to 70% of adults are unemployed or underemployed, making individuals with autism have one of the lowest employment rates for any disability group.
All this information is valid and something we all can understand better. Yet, I see the work that we get to do and the help that we get to provide for those that we serve. While I acknowledge that it isn’t easy, our work and others who do the same thing help people become independent and work as productive members of our community.
It takes time, consistent resources, and when done, it is incredibly rewarding when we help someone graduate from school or secure their first job in a community-based setting.
While awareness is important, the diagnosis of being on the Autism Spectrum means that an individual has some challenges to overcome. Some challenges are more significant than others.
Big picture, I’d like to think that we all have challenges that we deal with, and some are more visible than others. It is a part of what awareness is all about.
For those we serve, this month is a great reminder about the importance of our work and how we can help individuals adapt and grow to become independent members of our community. This remains our goal every day. For everyone who learns a little bit more about the individuals we and others help, thank you for your understanding and support.
