Autism Spectrum Disorder Prevalence Estimated at 1 in 40 U.S. Children

Families of children with autism still struggle with accessing needed mental health care, a medical home, and care coordination.

Rates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the U.S. have been steadily increasing, with recent estimates ranging from 1 in 60 to 1 in 40 children. To provide an updated ASD prevalence estimate, researchers analyzed data from over 42,000 children aged 3 to 17 years participating in the 2016 National Survey of Children's Health, a nationally representative sample of U.S. children.

Based on “yes” responses by parents to: (1) whether they were ever told by a doctor or healthcare provider that their child had ASD, and (2) whether their child continued to have ASD, 2.5% of children had ASD, representing approximately 1.5 million children aged 3 to 17 years in the U.S.

Only 64% of children with ASD were reported to receive behavioral therapy, while …

Reviewing Author

Jenny Radesky, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMelissa & Doug Toys (Consultant and Board of Directors)

Grant/Research SupportNational Institute for Child Health and Development; National Institutes of Health

Jenny Radesky, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMelissa & Doug Toys (Consultant and Board of Directors)

Grant/Research SupportNational Institute for Child Health and Development; National Institutes of Health

Autism Spectrum Disorder Prevalence Estimated at 1 in 40 U.S. Children

Topics

Reviewing Author