In less than a decade, a survey of 11 communities across the country, including Salt Lake City and the surrounding counties, coordinated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), found that the prevalence of autism in 8-year-old Utah children has climbed to 30%.

According to the present study, autism prevalence among 8-year-olds in the state increased from 1 in 58 children in 2012, when the last survey was done, to around 1 in 46 in 2018.

Much of the rise, according to the researchers, can be linked to rising understanding of the condition, better diagnostic techniques for detecting it, and improved access to medical care.

“Utah’s autism prevalence is significantly higher now than when we last measured it,” said co-author Deborah Bilder.

According to the CDC, the best age for determining the prevalence of ASD in communities is 8 years old. Children are more likely to show recognizable symptoms of the illness by that age, according to Bilder.

“I believe Utah legislation passed over the last decade has had a substantial positive impact on children’s access to autism diagnostic and treatment services,” said Bilder.

“This is particularly true for those children in the lower and middle household income range.”

When compared to White or Black children, the percentage of Hispanic children with ASD was lower in Utah and many other states. According to Dr. Amanda Bakian, co-author of the study, this data implies that gaps in receiving an ASD diagnosis depending on ethnicity may be a problem.

ASD prevalence also rising in other parts of the United States

Overall, the CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network found that 1 in 44 8-year-old children in 11 towns across the country had some type of ASD in 2018, up from 1 in 54 in 2016. Utah did not take part in the 2016 evaluation.

The present study’s estimates differed greatly by location, ranging from one in 60 in Missouri to 1 in 26 in California. The researchers believe the variations are linked to regional differences in early identification and evaluation, diagnostic methods, and other aspects of ASD symptom reporting.

The key to treating ASD is early detection and therapy

The researchers suggest that measures that increase equal access to early ASD diagnosis and treatment are a critical step forward.

“Early autism diagnosis and treatment optimizes children’s ability to learn, engage with others, and develop independence,” said Bilder.

“That’s why these studies are so important,” said Bakian.

“They not only help us get a better idea of the growing prevalence of autism but can also help us improve policies, services, and research directed toward helping children and their families affected by autism.”

Along with Salt Lake County, Utah, the study covered Davis and Tooele Counties.

Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Wisconsin were also included.

Although the study covered the entire country, the researchers emphasize that their findings provide a snapshot of autism prevalence in specific localities, not a national estimate.

Source: Mortality and Morbidity Weekly Report.

Image Credit: Getty

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