Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children: Statistics, Signs, and Advice

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability. It is caused by differences in the brain and may appear as a result of an inborn genetic difference, though other causes remain unknown. Often, people with ASD do not look any different than those without it. Yet, they may demonstrate significant differences in the way they behave, learn, communicate, and perform other functions.

Given the lack of distinctive physical features, there is still a lack of understanding and attention to autism in our society. According to studies, about a quarter of teens live with an undiagnosed ASD. This can greatly affect their everyday lives and create tangible challenges. And that’s why we have to spread greater awareness about this disability.

Autism in Children Statistics: Key Things to Know

Childhood autism is a critical subject that has seen a steady rise in diagnosed cases recently. In order to communicate the significance of this topic to parents and the community, in general, it is important to pay attention to and understand the ASD statistics and how they change over time.

Here are the key figures you need to know:

• The Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network reports that one in 31 children aged 8 years was diagnosed with ASD in 2022.
• ADDM emphasizes the increase in ASD rates in children. For comparison, the network’s insights on ASD prevalence in 2000 ranged from 4.5 to 9.8 per 1000 8-year-old children.

What’s important: it’s not just the general number of diagnosed ASD cases that matters. The impact ASD can have on kids is more important:

• About 28% of autistic 8-year-olds demonstrate self-injurious behaviors.
• Nearly two-thirds of ASD kids have been bullied.
• 39.6% of autistic kids also have intellectual disability and struggle in school.

Why Are Autism Rates Increasing?

Official reports and studies clearly demonstrate a growth in ASD cases in children. The overall increase over the past 20 years is shocking – nearly 300%. If we look at shorter, two-year periods across specific sites, the increase is between 10-20%. However, these numbers don’t explicitly demonstrate a real increase in ASD cases.

The real reason behind increasing autism rates over the past few decades is not a growth of cases, but rather an improvement in diagnosis. The diagnostic tools for ASD have expanded significantly throughout this period. On top of that, we now have much broader diagnostic criteria, more specialists, and overall greater awareness of autism. As a result, medical professionals can identify and diagnose ASD much earlier and more accurately.

Signs of Autism in Children

Early diagnosis plays a key role in addressing ASD. Knowing about the diagnosis enables families and teachers to help a child overcome the challenges they’re facing.

The following autism signs in children can help identify the possibility of ASD early.

Emotional Responses and Daily Behaviors

• Challenges with paying attention and staying focused.
• Severe fear demonstrated toward ordinary activities, events, and objects.
• A tendency to avoid interactions with others.
• A tendency to avoid eye contact.
• Challenges with engaging in pretend play.
• Repetitive behaviors, play, or statements.

Language and Communication Skills

• Automatic repeating of words or sounds produced by others (echolalia).
• Challenges with communicating needs or desires with words, gestures, or play.
• Noticeable issues with understanding and following even simple instructions.

Sensory-Motor and Regulatory Systems Functioning

• Poor coordination.
• A tendency to avoid physical endearments (e.g., hugs or light touch).
• Failure to point at things when showing something.
• Issues with adjusting to changes in the environment.
• Self-stimulatory behaviors like spinning, flapping, etc.

Why Is Autism Spectrum Disorder Not Something Parents Should Fear?

Today, when the awareness about autism spectrum disorder is greater than ever before, it has become one more thing that parents worry about. They fear ASD to be diagnosed in their children. But this fear typically stems from a lack of information and multiple misconceptions that surround this condition.

Here’s an important thing to understand – there is no reason to fear ASD today. Here, we’ll discuss the key reasons why.

Early Diagnosis Possibility for Personalized Care

Early ASD signals can be noticed when a toddler is between 18 and 24 months old. If you notice them, it’s possible to consult with a pediatrician to have an early evaluation and diagnosis of this disorder. When detected early, ASD can be significantly improved through timely and personalized therapy, preventing future challenges.

Confirming a Diagnosis Reduces Stress and Uncertainty

While many parents fear early screenings because they may confirm a diagnosis, detecting ASD early is actually helpful. It helps understand confusing or concerning behaviors of a child and significantly reduces the stress and uncertainty associated with them. This can help you define effective care and parenting strategies early on.

Access to the Needed Support and Resources

Today, there are plenty of specialized support services and resources created specifically for children with an autism spectrum disorder. This includes tailored educational programs, therapy, and governmental support programs. By detecting a disorder early, you can gain access to these resources that will help overcome the challenges associated with ASD.

Improved Understanding and Awareness of ASD

Having a child diagnosed with autism encourages families to deepen their knowledge and understanding of this condition. Gaining more knowledge on the topic helps debunk the myths that are still there and spread awareness about ASD within and beyond the family. In the long run, this can lead to a greater understanding in the community.

An Opportunity to Empower Your Child

It’s important that parents see an ASD diagnosis as a chance to better understand and support their child. Yes, children with autism might face certain daily issues. But they also have many distinct talents and strengths. From this perspective, confirming a diagnosis gives you an opportunity to recognize the unique features of your child and create an environment that helps empower them.

Conclusion

Children autism is a big topic that requires attention and awareness. While it can create certain challenges, it’s not something worth fearing. Instead, it’s important that parents recognize this condition and its peculiarities to be able to empower their children to achieve success in their studies and life.

If you are a parent, this article should have answered some of your questions regarding ASD in children. Don’t hesitate to continue educating yourself on this matter through trusted resources like Autism Speaks, Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), and others to improve your understanding and awareness.

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