TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Brand new numbers from the CDC shows another jump in the number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
The report says the number of 8-year-olds diagnosed with autism has jumped to 1 in 31 based on a new set of data. The previous estimate, in 2020, showed diagnoses were at from 1 in 36 among the same age group.
These numbers are not a surprise, according to the executive director of the Autism Society of Southern Arizona, Kate Elliott.
"Yes, there's definitely been an increase," Elliott told me after the new numbers were released.
Elliott says she sees the increase firsthand in her work. She's quick to point out that while the number of kids being diagnosed with ASD is on the rise, that does not mean there's some kind of epidemic spreading across the country.
"It's showing that advocacy and the work that we're doing for outreach is working. So, there's more diagnostic ability and access. That's what's increasing it," Elliott said.
National experts agree the sharp increase is related to better awareness and better access to screening and services.
"Connect to resources or find their people, find support, we're here for all of that," Elliott explained of the Autism's society's work.
Let's take a look at the CDC numbers:
- 2000: 1 in 150 8-year-olds were diagnosed with ASD
- 2018: 1 in 44 among the same age group
- 2020: 1 in 36
- 2022: 1 in 31
The Autism Society of Southern Arizona is expanding its programs to meet the growing demand. That includes helping parents who may have just learned about an autism diagnosis.
The first thing parents should do?
"Take a deep breath," Elliot said. "There's nothing different about your child today than there was yesterday. They are the same human, they're still the kid that you love. We just have better tools now to understand how their brain works and how to support them."
Elliott is not only the executive director of the Autism Society, she's a mother of two children with autism. She tells me her work is to fight for understanding and support—not a cure.
"Foundationally-based, science-based research: that's going to help improve the lives of autistic people. We don't want to cure autism, we don't want to get rid of it," she told me. "We're very proud of ourselves. We just need more support."
The new CDC numbers come during National Autism Acceptance Month, and as we feature the Autism Society of Southern Arizona as our KGUN 9 Giving Project nonprofit for April.
You can help the Autism Society of Southern Arizona with its mission of creating connections and empowering members of the autism community with resources by donating directly to the society's website.
The Autism Society's annual fundraising event, All in for Autism, will be taking place later this month.
Your donation qualifies for Arizona's charitable tax credit.
Our partners in the Giving Project. The Community Foundation for Southern Arizona will again match the first $500 in donations.
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Pat Parris is an anchor and reporter for KGUN 9. He is a graduate of Sabino High School where he was the 1982 high school state track champion in the 800 meters. While in high school and college, he worked part-time in the KGUN 9 newsroom. Share your story ideas and important issues with Pat by emailing pat.parris@kgun9.com or by connecting on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
