Autism diagnoses in the U.S. are skyrocketing, particularly among young adults aged 26 to 34, with a striking 450% increase recorded between 2011 and 2022. Published in JAMA Network Open, the study reveals a broader trend in autism awareness and diagnoses, attributed to heightened advocacy, shifts in screening practices, and evolving definitions of the disorder.
For children, the data shows that around 30 in every 1,000 kids between ages 5 and 8 have an autism diagnosis. These rising numbers indicate that changes in policy and greater public understanding may be encouraging more families to pursue early screening for their children.
While boys still have higher autism rates, the gender gap is narrowing. Diagnoses among females surged by 315% during the study period, highlighting the changing landscape of autism identification across all demographics.
Experts speculate that environmental factors and increased education around autism are driving these diagnostic shifts. The staggering rise among young adults is particularly notable, signaling a need for further exploration of both the causes and resources required to support this growing population.
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