Autism Rates in Maryland
What’s Going On with Autism in Maryland?
Autism rates in Maryland have been on the rise. According to the ADDM network’s 2020 data, released by the CDC in May 2023, Maryland has the lowest autism rates among the studied sites, with 1 in 43 kids diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This is up from 2018, when it was 1 in 49 kids.
Here’s a quick look at autism rates among young kids in Maryland:
| Age Group | Percentage with ASD | National Average (%) |
| 4 years old | 1.7% | 2.2% |
| 8 years old | 2.3% | 2.8% |
Maryland’s rates are lower than the national averages for both age groups.
Who’s Affected and How?
When you dig into the numbers, you see some big differences among racial and ethnic groups. For 8-year-olds, Black and Asian/Pacific Islander (A/PI) kids are twice as likely to be diagnosed with ASD compared to Hispanic and White kids. For 4-year-olds, Black kids are diagnosed at a rate 2.3 times higher, and A/PI kids at a rate 1.9 times higher than White kids.
The Maryland Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (MD-ADDM) program looked at health and special education records for kids aged 4 and 8 in five counties: Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Harford, and Howard.
Early Diagnosis: Room for Improvement
Early diagnosis is crucial. About 83% of 4-year-olds with ASD had a full developmental evaluation by age 3. But only 60% of 8-year-olds had the same by that age, which is an 11% drop from 2018. Clearly, Maryland needs to step up its early screening and assessment game.
Factors Affecting Autism Diagnosis
Getting a grip on what influences autism diagnosis is crucial for parents, teachers, and professionals. Two biggies here are gender differences and racial and ethnic variations.
Gender Differences
Research shows boys and girls don’t get diagnosed with autism at the same rate. According to the CDC and ADDM’s 2020 data, about one in 36 kids is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with boys being four times more likely to get the diagnosis than girls.
Why the gap? It could be due to biological differences and social norms. Boys often show more obvious signs of autism, making it easier to spot early. Girls, on the other hand, might have subtler symptoms, leading to underdiagnosis or even misdiagnosis.
| Diagnosis Rate | Boys | Girls |
| ASD Diagnosis Rate | 1 in 24 | 1 in 96 |
Racial and Ethnic Variations
Race and ethnicity also play a big role in autism diagnosis. A 2023 CDC report found that ASD rates among Asian, Hispanic, and Black kids were higher than among 8-year-old White kids, flipping the script from earlier reports.
In Maryland, for example, Black and Asian/Pacific Islander (A/PI) 8-year-olds were twice as likely to be diagnosed with ASD compared to Hispanic and White kids. Among 4-year-olds, Black kids were 2.3 times more likely, and A/PI kids were 1.9 times more likely to get an ASD diagnosis compared to White kids.
This uptick in diagnosis rates among minority groups might mean better awareness and access to diagnostic tools. But it also points to ongoing issues with getting comprehensive evaluations and support services.
| Age Group | Diagnosis Rate (Black) | Diagnosis Rate (A/PI) | Diagnosis Rate (Hispanic) | Diagnosis Rate (White) |
| 4-Year-Olds | 2.3 times | 1.9 times | Lower | Lower |
| 8-Year-Olds | 2 times | 2 times | Lower | Lower |
These factors show how tricky it can be to diagnose autism in Maryland. Knowing about gender differences and racial and ethnic variations can help create better support and intervention plans for kids with ASD and their families.
Support Programs in Maryland
Maryland’s got some fantastic programs to help folks with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) live their best lives. Whether it’s about school, work, or just getting along with others, these programs have got you covered.
Virtual Mentoring for College
The Virtual College Autism Mentoring Program (VCAMP) is here to help college students on the autism spectrum. Think of it as your personal guide to navigating college life. VCAMP offers virtual mentoring, so you can get the support you need without leaving your dorm room. It’s all about making sure you can handle the academic grind while also picking up crucial self-advocacy and social skills.
Key Features of VCAMP
| Feature | Description |
| Virtual Mentoring | One-on-one support from mentors who know their stuff about autism and college life. |
| Transition Assistance | Tips and tricks for adapting to college life and keeping up with schoolwork. |
| Skills Development | Focus on self-advocacy and social skills you need to succeed. |
Pre-Employment Autism Support
The Pre-Employment Autism Support program is all about getting students with autism ready for the working world. Part of the Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), this program teaches you how to speak up for yourself and get along with others at work. It’s like a crash course in everything you need to land and keep a job.
Program Components
| Component | Description |
| Self-Advocacy Training | Learn how to express your needs and preferences at work. |
| Social Skills Development | Boost your people skills for better workplace interactions. |
| Employment Readiness | Get prepped for job applications, interviews, and workplace etiquette. |
These programs are game-changers for helping folks with autism in Maryland become more independent and job-ready.
Educational Assistance
Helping folks with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Maryland is a big deal. This section dives into the post-secondary guidance and specialized driver education available for those on the autism spectrum.
Post-Secondary Guidance
The Counseling on Post-Secondary Education Opportunities (CPSEO) program is a game-changer for students with Autism. It offers guidance on what comes after high school, like apprenticeships, job training, direct job placement, and college options. They even organize college tours so students can check out their future schools in person.
| Program Aspect | Description |
| Who It’s For | Pre-ETS students with Autism |
| What’s Offered | College tours, job training, apprenticeships |
| Goal | Help students explore and access post-secondary education |
Another cool initiative is Pathways, a team effort between the Maryland Department of Disabilities and local community colleges like Anne Arundel Community College and Montgomery College. This program helps students with Autism enroll in credit or certificate classes, with a little help from Disability Support Services (DSS) at their colleges.
Driver Education Support
Learning to drive can be a big hurdle, but the Driver Education program at the DORS Workforce & Technology Center is here to help. They offer specialized driving lessons for individuals with Autism, making sure the training fits their unique needs.
| Support Feature | Details |
| Type of Program | Customized driver education |
| Who It’s For | Individuals diagnosed with Autism |
| Focus | Specialized support in driver education |
These educational resources in Maryland aim to empower individuals with Autism, helping them transition smoothly into post-secondary education and gain independence through essential skills like driving. For more info on autism services and resources in Maryland, check out our section on autism schools in Maryland.
Research and Innovation
Research and innovation are game-changers for understanding and supporting folks with autism in Maryland. Let’s dive into the UMD CARES project and some cool genetic studies on autism.
UMD CARES Project
The UMD CARES project is all about making life better for autistic individuals in Prince George’s County. They’re on a mission to boost understanding, inclusion, and support through outreach, education, and community engagement. They work hand-in-hand with families, teachers, and service providers to create a welcoming environment for everyone with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
But they don’t stop there. UMD CARES also digs into research to find the best ways to educate and support autistic individuals. This research is key to coming up with effective strategies that really make a difference for people with autism and their families in Maryland.
Genetic Studies on Autism
Genetic studies are shedding light on what makes autism tick. Researchers have pinpointed a bunch of genes linked to autism with moderate symptoms, thanks to data from the biggest autism study ever. This is a big deal for understanding autism as a complex condition.
Dr. Rebecca Landa, the brains behind the Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation (CASSI) at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, has made some groundbreaking discoveries about how kids with and without ASD develop. Her work is all about turning these discoveries into new interventions that actually work, proven by clinical trials in different settings. This research helps not just in spotting autism early but also in creating effective support strategies for kids and their families.
Dr. Landa also put together the “Early Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorders” video tutorial, a free 9-minute resource that helps parents and caregivers spot early signs of ASD in toddlers. This tool is part of a bigger effort to empower families and speed up early diagnosis.
Ongoing research and innovation in autism are crucial for making life better for those affected by the condition in Maryland.
Community Resources
Pathfinders for Autism
Pathfinders for Autism, started in 2000 by parents of kids with autism, has grown into Maryland’s biggest autism organization. Their mission is simple: make life better for those affected by autism. They offer a ton of resources, training, info, and fun activities—all free for families who need them.
They’ve got workshops, webinars, and events like the T.G.I.F Online Yoga Series and BINGO. These aren’t just for fun; they’re about bringing people together and offering support. They even host cool stuff like the Horse Jumping Show at the Baltimore Ag Center, giving folks a chance to enjoy therapeutic and social activities.
Their Resource Center is a lifeline for Maryland families, providing up-to-date autism info and personal responses to questions. This means families get the help they need, when they need it. People like Pam C. and Sgt. Michael Cox from Anne Arundel County Police have shared how much Pathfinders has helped them, showing the real impact on families and professionals dealing with autism in Maryland.
Impact of Support Programs
Programs like those from Pathfinders for Autism are game-changers for families dealing with autism. They offer crucial resources and build community connections that can ease feelings of being alone.
Here’s how these programs make a difference:
| Area of Impact | Description |
| Family Support | Offers tips for handling daily challenges and navigating the autism journey. |
| Education | Workshops and webinars give parents and teachers the know-how on autism and effective teaching methods. |
| Community Engagement | Fun activities create chances for social interaction and skill-building. |
| Law Enforcement Training | Helps cops understand autism better, improving their interactions and support for individuals in the community. |
Pathfinders for Autism pushes for community involvement through support, donations, and volunteering. They believe that working together can make a big difference in the lives of those with autism in Maryland. For more resources, families can check out autism support groups in Maryland.
SOURCES:
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/addm-community-report/maryland.html
https://dors.maryland.gov/consumers/specialized/Pages/autism.aspx
