Autism Statistics
Statistics
Determining the number of people in the United States with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) continues to be a moving target. In many cases, "hard signs" are elusive, and the diagnosis is based on observation utilizing established criteria implemented by professionals and monitored by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The changes in definition over the years, the diligence of the school district making a diagnosis, and the knowledge and skills of the attending professional all serve to cause a concrete diagnosis to be somewhat subjective.
CDC's Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network released data in 2007 that found approximately 1 in 150 8-year old children in multiple areas of the United States had an ASD. In New Jersey, that number has been set at 1 in 94. It is important to note that New Jersey for years has been at the forefront of identifying children with ASDs and has been a leader in Special Education services for decades. It is, therefore, not unexpected to find the New Jersey rate higher than the national average. That gap is closing with each successive study, however.