According to the CDC’s most recent data, approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. This makes autism one of the most common developmental conditions in the country.

How Prevalence Has Changed

In 2000, the CDC estimated autism prevalence at 1 in 150 children. By 2008, it was 1 in 88. By 2018, it was 1 in 44. The most recent estimate of 1 in 36 continues the upward trend. This steady increase has led some to describe autism as an “epidemic,” though this characterization is misleading.

Why Numbers Are Increasing

The increase is largely explained by broadened diagnostic criteria (the DSM-5 captures more individuals), increased screening and awareness, better identification in girls and women (historically underdiagnosed), more diagnoses in minority communities (previously underserved), and reduced stigma encouraging families to seek evaluation. Whether a smaller “true” increase exists beyond these factors remains debated.

Demographic Patterns

Autism is diagnosed about four times more often in boys than girls, though this ratio is narrowing as diagnostic tools improve for female presentations. Prevalence varies across racial and ethnic groups, largely reflecting disparities in access to evaluation rather than true differences in occurrence. Higher socioeconomic status was historically associated with higher diagnosis rates, though this gap is also narrowing.

What This Means

More children being diagnosed means more children accessing services. Early identification and intervention through ABA therapy, speech therapy, and other evidence-based approaches make meaningful differences in outcomes. Treetop ABA Therapy serves families across 11 states to help meet this growing need.