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Are autism rates increasing?
Autism is part of the lives of millions of families. Over the years, many have traveled a road filled with questions, diagnoses, and decisions about the care of their children. The most recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms what many already suspected: autism rates continue to rise.
Are autism rates rising? The answer is yes, but there is more to say. According to the latest report from the CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network (ADDM), their studies now estimate that 1 in 31 8-year-olds has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This new figure, released in April 2025, reflects a trend that has been increasing over the past 20 years.
Please keep reading this blog from ABA Centers of America to understand what this increase really means and why we should care.
Prevalence of Autism in 2025: What the CDC Data Indicate
The prevalence of ASD has been growing steadily. In 2000, the diagnosis was 1 in 150 children. By 2016, the number had dropped to 1 in 54. By 2020, it was 1 in 36. Now, the CDC reports that 1 in 31 8-year-olds has received a diagnosis of autism.
The report of the ADDM network, which analyzes medical and educational records at 16 sites in 14 states, reveals an apparent reality: autism is more common than we used to think. And no, it is not an epidemic. It’s about the fact that today, we have better tools, greater awareness, and more accurate diagnostic criteria for detecting ASD.
The increase is not only statistically significant but also profoundly human: each new diagnosis represents a child who needs support and a family who deserves answers.
Why Are Autism Rates Increasing in Children?
One of the report’s lead authors, Dr. Zachary Warren, put it bluntly, “The most compelling finding is how incredibly common the presentation of autism is.” According to the CDC report, this increase reflects advances in:
- Early Detection: More and more children receive evaluation before age 4. In fact, those born in 2018 are 1.7 times more likely to have been diagnosed before 48 months compared to those born in 2014.
- Access to Educational and Health Services: Improved special education and public health systems have made it easier to identify more children on the spectrum.
- Public Awareness: Parents, teachers, and pediatricians are more attentive to the signs of ASD.
Key Facts About ASD Prevalence
According to the CDC’s 2025 report:
- The prevalence of autism in 8-year-olds is 32.2 per 1,000
- Autism remains 3.4 times more common in boys than in girls
- Rates of autism in children vary widely by region: for example, California reported the highest rate (53.1 per 1,000 children), while Texas (Laredo) had the lowest (9.7 per 1,000). This disparity reinforces the need for local strategies to reduce barriers to diagnosis and treatment.
- Medical providers have improved identification among historically underserved populations. For example, Asian, Black, and Hispanic children now have higher rates of diagnosis than white children, which may reflect a decrease in social and cultural barriers to access.
- 39.6% of children with autism also have an intellectual disability
- 47% of diagnoses occur before the age of 4, which allows access to more effective early intervention.
This data underscores the urgent need for equitable support services, early diagnosis, and access to specialized therapies such as ABA therapy.
Autism Prevalence 2025: What Does This Mean for Our Community?
This increase in autism rates should not generate fear but action. Identifying ASD at an early age allows access to therapies and supports that are critical to each child’s development. Among these, experts consider ABA therapy as the gold standard, as it is tailored to individual needs and promotes autonomy and social skills.
At ABA Centers of America, we work with families in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and across the United States to provide diagnosis, early intervention, home—and school-based ABA therapy, and ongoing support. We understand that each child is unique, so we design individualized plans tailored to their strengths and challenges.
What Can We Do About the Increasing Prevalence of ASD?
- Promote early evaluations, especially if you observe signs such as speech delay, lack of eye contact, or repetitive behaviors.
- Access specialized services, such as ABA therapy, as early as possible.
- Get informed and educated. Community awareness is a powerful tool for inclusion.
- Don’t fall for myths. Science has proven that vaccines do not cause autism. The increase in diagnoses is not a crisis; it reflects progress in public health.
ABA Centers of America: Up to Date on Autism Rates and Family Support
At ABA Centers of America, staying informed is part of caring for those we love. That’s why we stay current with CDC autism data, the latest research, and news that impacts neurodivergent families, advocates, educators, and health professionals.
We invite you to visit our blog and follow us on social media to stay informed on the latest autism news, effective therapies, practical resources, and more. To learn more about the support we offer children and teens with autism, call us at (844) 923-4222 or fill out our online form. Our team is here for you.
ABA Centers of America: Building a Supportive Environment for Neurodiverse Families
Parents of children with autism face significant challenges that require empathy, understanding, and adequate resources. From communication difficulties to economic barriers, every obstacle is an opportunity for society to build a more inclusive and compassionate environment. Implementing strategies such as educating oneself about autism, creating friendly spaces, and celebrating every accomplishment, no matter how small, can make a profound difference in the lives of these families.
ABA therapy, combined with strong community support, offers practical tools to address the unique needs of each child and family. As individuals, we can be agents of change by volunteering our time, understanding, and commitment toward a more inclusive future for neurodiverse families.
If you would like to learn more about how ABA Centers of America and ABA therapy can support neurodiverse families, call us at (844) 923-4222 or complete our online form. We work with most insurance companies!
