Autism rate rises to 1 in 68 children

According to a new estimate issued March 27 by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) the number of kids with autism has risen sharply. The data identifies 1 in 68 children (1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls) as having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The estimate, based on data of 8-year-old children in 11 sites across the U.S. is a 30 percent increase from the 1 in 88 reported two years ago.

In a recent Health Matters blog, Susan Hyman, M.D., autism expert and chief of Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at UR Medicine’s Golisano Children’s Hospital, explains four major needs underscored by these new statistics and the beneficial resources we have in the Rochester community that provide early intervention and family support.

Autism is one of the seven priority programs of Golisano Children’s Hospital’s $100 million campaign and the prevalence of these new findings demonstrates the need for more research, treatment and support. Please consider making a gift toward this program. Your support could help enhance care, advance research, and educate future professionals who will work with children diagnosed with autism today. Learn more.