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Why is autism on the rise?
Why is autism on the rise? It’s a question that hits home for many families across the United States. Whether you’re a parent noticing early signs in your child, a teacher seeing patterns in your classroom, or a healthcare provider navigating a growing number of cases—autism is becoming a bigger part of our collective reality.
According to the CDC’s most recent Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) report, published in 2025 and based on 2022 data, 1 in 31 8-year-old children in the U.S. were identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). That’s 3.2% of the population—the highest rate ever recorded by the CDC.
But what’s behind this surge? Is autism truly becoming more common? Or are we just getting better at recognizing it?
The answer, as with most things involving child development, is complex. Let’s break it down together.
Please visit ABA Centers of Georgia for more information about autism, support, diagnosis processes, and access to ABA therapy.
Autism on the Rise: What’s Really Happening?
To understand why autism is on the rise, we have to look at several overlapping trends:
- Greater Awareness
Parents, teachers, doctors, and caregivers are more aware of autism than they were 10 or even 5 years ago. Public health campaigns like the CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” have made a significant impact in helping people recognize the early red flags.
- Improved Diagnostic Tools
We now have more precise ways to diagnose autism than ever before. Tools like the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), the Autism Spectrum Rating Scales (ASRS), and others are widely used in clinics, schools, and early intervention programs across the country.
- Broader Diagnostic Criteria
Today’s definition of autism encompasses a much broader spectrum of behaviors, strengths, and challenges than it did in the past. This definition has led to more diagnoses, especially among children who may have previously been misdiagnosed or overlooked altogether.
- Better Access to Services
In many states, access to early evaluations and therapies has expanded through Medicaid and school-based services, which means more children are receiving screening earlier—and more thoroughly—than ever before.
So no, autism itself isn’t “spreading” in the way an illness might. But the systems around diagnosis, education, and support have improved significantly—leading to what looks like a dramatic rise in numbers.
Breaking Down the Numbers: Autism Diagnosis Trends in the U.S.
The CDC’s 2022 tracking data, gathered from 16 diverse communities across the U.S., reveals some critical autism diagnosis trends:
- 1 in 31 8-year-olds were diagnosed with autism in 2022.
- Among 4-year-olds, about 1 in 34 were identified, showing a strong trend toward earlier diagnosis.
- Boys are still over three times as likely as girls to be diagnosed with autism.
- For the first time in U.S. history, non-White children (Black, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, multiracial) were diagnosed with autism at higher rates than White children.
This last shift is particularly significant. Historically, White children were more likely to receive an autism diagnosis—not because autism was more common among them, but because of disparities in access to healthcare and developmental evaluations. As we slowly address those disparities, we’re seeing more accurate and equitable identification across racial and ethnic groups.
One standout example is California, which showed the highest autism prevalence rate in the country: 1 in 19 children. This result is thanks in part to the “Get SET Early” program, which trains pediatricians to screen and refer children for evaluation as early as possible.
The Role of COVID-19 in Autism Diagnosis Trends
Interestingly, the data also showed a brief dip in autism evaluations during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdowns disrupted medical visits and school-based screenings, delaying diagnoses for many children. However, by 2021–2022, those numbers rebounded, and rates of early diagnosis surged once again—particularly for children born in 2018, who were 1.7 times more likely to be diagnosed by age four compared to those born in 2014.
This rebound suggests that the momentum for early intervention is not only back—but stronger than before.
How Early Intervention and ABA Therapy Make a Difference
When it comes to supporting children with autism, early intervention is everything. The sooner a child receives support, the better their long-term outcomes tend to be—in school, at home, and in the community.
One of the most widely used and researched early intervention methods is ABA therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis).
What is ABA Therapy?
ABA is a structured, evidence-based approach that helps children with autism improve their communication, self-regulation, academics, social interaction, and daily living skills. ABA programs are tailored to each child’s needs, and therapists usually deliver it through one-on-one sessions with a trained therapist.
Why It Matters
Children who receive ABA therapy early in life often experience:
- Improved language and communication skills
- Reduced problem behaviors
- Better performance in school
- Increased independence in daily tasks
ABA isn’t about changing a child’s identity—it’s about giving them the tools to navigate the world more confidently. For many families, it becomes the foundation of hope and growth.
Increase in Autism Diagnoses: Challenges That Remain
Even with all this progress, challenges remain.
- Access isn’t equal. Some families—especially in rural areas or lower-income communities—still struggle to get timely evaluations or therapy services.
- Long waitlists for developmental pediatricians or specialists can delay diagnosis.
- Cultural and language barriers can lead to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis, particularly in immigrant communities.
Addressing these gaps requires not just better policies but stronger partnerships between healthcare providers, schools, and community organizations.
What Can Families Do?
If you’re concerned about your child’s development, trust your instincts. Early signs of autism can appear as early as 18 months—or even sooner. Common red flags include:
- Limited eye contact
- Delayed speech
- Lack of interest in peers
- Repetitive behaviors or intense interests
You don’t need to wait for a doctor to notice—you are your child’s best advocate.
Reach out to your pediatrician and ask for a developmental screening. You can also use the CDC’s Milestone Tracker App to help monitor your child’s growth.
ABA Centers of Georgia: Hope, Help, and the Future
The fact that autism is on the rise is now a headline isn’t something to fear—it’s something to learn from. It means more children are being seen. It means more families are getting answers. And it means we’re building a future where all kids—no matter how they experience the world—can get the support they deserve.
If you’re looking for guidance, therapy options, or just someone who understands, consider reaching out to ABA Centers of Georgia online or calling (855) 929-5058. We’re here to provide not just services but support, clarity, and a path forward.
Autism is not the end of a dream. It’s the beginning of a different, beautiful one.
