A new report from the CDC revealed that there has been a continued increase in the prevalence of autism in the United States.
The Dallas Express reported previously on the report and its methodology.
The 2023 Community Report on Autism published on March 23 shows that the number of 8-year-olds diagnosed with autism grew steadily from 1 in 68 in 2010 to 1 in 36 in 2020.
Boys were disproportionately identified as having autism compared to girls, with a ratio of 4 to 1 respectively.
Similar statistics were seen among the younger cohort of 4-year-olds investigated in the report. Yet a dip in testing was observed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Autism spectrum disorder is a multifaceted neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, social skills, and behavior.
Usually, the signs of ASD are present in a child from an early age, per the CDC. These may include not showing emotions through facial expressions by 9 months of age or using few or no gestures by 12 months of age.
Since there is no blood test for autism, a reliable diagnosis usually doesn’t occur until the child is around 2 years old or more, per the CDC.
Since ASD is a lifelong condition that impacts how people interact with others, communicate, and behave, early intervention and support can significantly improve outcomes.
“The faster we can get them into early intensive behavioral intervention, the better the outcomes for children with ASD,” said Lee Mason, an applied behavior analyst at Cook Children’s Child Study Center, per NBC 5.
Despite tests being available, the majority of diagnoses are still not occurring until the age of four, which suggests that there is room for improvement in identifying and treating ASD at an earlier stage.
That’s where Autism Awareness Month in April comes in handy.
The event not only educates the public about ASD but also helps foster greater support for those diagnosed with the affliction.
Kate Lundgren, whose two sons were diagnosed with ASD, told NBC 5 in an interview just how hard it was to find resources and support in the early 1990s.
Even the diagnosis took time. One of her sons, Trent, was screened by doctors in California but was told he didn’t have ASD.
“It was a bit stressful, just because I kind of felt like the odd kid out,” Trent recalled, per NBC 5.
His diagnosis came later once the family moved to Texas.
Spencer, the younger brother, has a more severe form of autism that was easier for doctors to pick up.
“He didn’t have language until he was about 6,” Kate told NBC 5. “He now can argue with me and tell me to leave him alone at [age] 27 and he wants to go take a nap.”
It was a long road to get where the family is today. The Lundgrens searched far and wide for professional help. When they did find it, it made a huge difference.
Now Kate and her husband have their own clinic, Cutting Edge Pediatric & Adult Therapy, to provide help for other families with children on the spectrum.
CEPT is located in Allen and offers occupational, speech, and physical therapy, as well as music, recreation, and aquatic therapy.
Patients can also participate in social skills classes, sensory integration programs, and applied behavioral analysis.
The Lundgrens know firsthand what a wide range of therapies can do for those with ASD.
“My boys’ lives have been changed,” Kate told NBC 5.