Current Statistics and Rates of Autism

It is estimated that around 1 in 160 people worldwide are living with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism impacts people of all ethnic and socioeconomic groups, though minority groups are often diagnosed less frequently and later in life. Early diagnosis and intervention lead to the best outcomes for this with the disorder.

The CDC reports that, as of 2020, autism affects approximately 2.8% of children in the U.S. This is up from less than 1% of children diagnosed in 2000. Boys are much more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls—4.3% of boys and only 1.1% of girls, according to the 2020 study. There has been found to be a genetic component to ASD. If your first child has autism, any subsequent children have an increased risk of up to an 18% chance of having it also.

Some additional statistics regarding autism include:

●    Nonverbal - about one third of those diagnosed with autism are nonverbal

●    Bullied - two-thirds of children with autism (aged 5-16) are bullied by peers

●    ADHD - somewhere between 30% to 60% of children with ASD are also, at some point, diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

●    Intellectual disabilities - 38% have an intellectual disability as well as autism

●    Sleep issues - 50% or more suffer from sleep issues

●    Self-harm - 28% of 8-year-olds diagnosed with ASD are reported to engage in self-harming behaviors such as hitting their head against hard surfaces, scratching their skin, or biting themselves

●    Epilepsy - Over 30% of people with ASD also exhibit epilepsy 

●    Depression - 7% of children with autism (and 28% of adults with autism) are affected by depression 

●    Drowning - The #1 cause of death in children with autism is accidental drowning

Individuals with autism surely face a myriad of challenges including impacts to their physical and mental health. As research continues to improve identification and courses of treatment for autism, our understanding of this disorder also increases. More accommodations, interventions, and opportunities exist for those with autism than ever before.

Positive Reinforcement not only offers  ABA therapy services for North Virginia, West Virginia including cities like Glen Allen Virginia,  Winchester Virginia,  and ABA Therapy in Richmond Virginia. .