On Apr. 17, 2025, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported results from a study by the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, an active surveillance program that estimates prevalence and characteristics of Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and monitors timing of ASD identification among children aged 4 and 8 years.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability characterized by difficulties with social interaction or communication and the presence of restricted interests or repetitive behaviors.

In 2022, a total of 16 sites, including states and the territory of Puerto Rico, conducted surveillance for ASD among children aged 4 and 8 years and suspected ASD among children aged 4 years.

The results showed that among children aged 8 years in 2022, ASD prevalence was 32.2 per 1,000 children (one in 31) across the 16 sites, ranging from 9.7 in Texas (Laredo) to 53.1 in California. The overall observed prevalence estimate was similar to estimates calculated using Bayesian hierarchical and random effects models. ASD was 3.4 times as prevalent among boys (49.2) than girls (14.3).

Overall, ASD prevalence was lower among non-Hispanic White (White) children (27.7) than among Asian or Pacific Islander (A/PI) (38.2), American Indian or Alaska Native (AI/AN) (37.5), non-Hispanic Black or African American (Black) (36.6), Hispanic or Latino (Hispanic) (33.0), and multiracial children (31.9).

Increased identification of autism, particularly among very young children and previously underidentified groups, underscores the increased demand and ongoing need for enhanced planning to provide equitable diagnostic, treatment, and support services for all children with ASD.

The ADDM Network will continue to monitor ASD prevalence among children aged 8 years, progress in early ASD identification among children aged 4 years, and the health status and transition needs among adolescents with ASD aged 16 years.