Yes, autism is more commonly diagnosed today than it was 20 years ago. In 2000, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that 1 in 150 children were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). By 2022, that figure had increased to 1 in 31 children .

This rise in prevalence is attributed to several factors:

  • Broader Diagnostic Criteria: The inclusion of previously separate conditions, such as Asperger syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), under the umbrella of ASD has expanded the scope of the diagnosis.
  • Increased Awareness: Greater public and professional awareness has led to more children being evaluated and diagnosed at earlier ages.
  • Improved Screening and Services: Enhanced screening tools and the availability of early intervention services have contributed to more diagnoses.

While the exact reasons for the increase are complex and multifactorial, it’s clear that more children are being identified and supported than ever before.

At Move Up ABA, we provide personalized ABA therapy in Maryland and Virginia to help children with autism reach their full potential.

Concerned about your child’s development?

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SOURCES:

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/ss/ss7402a1.htm

https://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-statistics-asd

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK332896/

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2825472

https://www.child-encyclopedia.com/autism/according-experts/epidemiological-surveys-autism-spectrum-disorders