For the first time, the recorded cases of ASD are higher than ever. Moreover, the data shows prevalence in minority groups according to the report by CDC. The information states that one in thirty-six year-olds is likely to have autism in the US. That is more than one in forty-four, which was recorded two years ago. The awareness and diagnosis may be the reason behind the increase.
Moreover, the report has also highlighted a difference between the ethnicities, with children of minorities with a likeliness of diagnosis.
CDC wrote,
For the first time, the percentage of 8-year-old Black, Hispanic, and Asian or Pacific Islander (A/PI) children identified with ASD was higher than among 8-year-old White children, which was the opposite of previously observed racial and ethnic differences across the ADDM Network,
While this new pattern could indicate overall improvements in equitable identification of ASD, it is important to consider other factors that may be leading to higher rates of ASD in historically underserved populations.
Health and Special Education Analysis
An analysis was done of the special education data of four to eight-year-olds across eleven countries in the US. Identifying the prevalence of autism in the prior years.
The kids born in 2016 were 1.6 times more likely to have been diagnosed with ASD by four years compared to the kids born in 2012. Moreover, the rates are more in Hispanic, Asian, and Pacific Islander kids, which is 3%. The diagnosis in White kids is 2%.
Previous and Current Findings
Based on the previous findings, White children were diagnosed more, probably due to better access to healthcare. Moreover, although most of this data is a step forward because it shows improved awareness and diagnostics, reports claim that the COVID-19 pandemic hit the ASD diagnosis drastically. The identification dropped in children at the same time and has not returned to the same pace since then. Hence, work needs to be done to support these children.
Moreover, it has also been pointed out that the resources need to be improved in the minority areas where the children are missed instead of having lower rates of ASD. CDS also highlights that it could be due to the difference in the need to be explored fully to help minority kids.
