Facts about Autism Spectrum Disorder
(ASD)

    • In 2021, the CDC reported that approximately 1 in 44 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
    • According to 2016 data, 1 in 34 boys identified with Autism and 1 in 144 girls identified with Autism
    • ASD is about 4 times more likely in boys than girls.
    • 31% of children with ASD have an intellectual disability (intelligence quotient [IQ] <70), 25% are in the borderline range (IQ 71–85), and 44% have IQ scores in the average to above-average range (i.e., IQ >85).
    • Early intervention affords the best opportunity to support healthy development and deliver benefits across the lifespan.
    • There is no medical detection for Autism.
    • ASD affects children of all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.
    • ASD is a spectrum disorder, which means that every child with ASD has different skills, challenges, and needs.
    • While we do not know all of the causes of ASD, we have learned that there are likely many contributing factors, including genes, early brain development, and the environment.
    • ASD can be reliably diagnosed by age 2, but children may be diagnosed at earlier ages.
    • Early identification of ASD helps children get the services they need.
    • There is no “cure” for ASD, but several interventions can help children learn important skills that improve everyday life.
    • Typically, the earlier children are diagnosed and receive services, the better their outcomes are.
    • Children with ASD can learn and succeed in the classroom and beyond. Like every child, with the help of their families, providers, doctors, specialists, and communities, kids with ASD can thrive.

For more information about Autism, please visit https://autismnow.org/, https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ss6302a1.html