Autism Facts

• An estimated 1 in 68 children has autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• The number is roughly 30 percent higher than previous estimates (1 in 88 children in 2012).
• The number varies from 1 in 175 children in Alabama to 1 in 45 children in New Jersey.
• ASD is almost five times more common among boys than girls.
• White children are more likely to be identified as having ASD than are black or Hispanic children.
• Intellectual ability levels vary greatly among children with autism, ranging from severe challenges to above-average intellectual ability. Almost half have average or above-average intellectual ability.
• Most children with ASD are diagnosed after age 4, even though it can be diagnosed as early as age 2. Early diagnosis is important, but it’s never too late to get help for a child.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), March 2014.

RELATED STORY: Transformations Autism Treatment Center in Bartlett is hosting the 2014 Midsouth Autism Conference in Memphis June 19-21, with nationally prominent speakers. It’s not too late to sign up on Thursday or Friday of the event.