The CDC's 2022 surveillance data (published 2025) found that about 1 in 31 U.S. children are identified with autism by age 8 — up from 1 in 36 in the previous report. The increase reflects better screening and broader diagnostic criteria, not a sudden change in underlying rates. The clearest actionable takeaway: children who start ABA therapy before age 4 show significantly better outcomes in communication, social skills, and adaptive behavior than those who start later.
The CDC's latest surveillance data reveals that autism spectrum disorder now affects approximately 1 in 31 children in the United States — a significant increase from previous estimates (Shaw KA et al., MMWR Surveill Summ 2025;74(SS-2):1–22). This rise is attributed to improved screening, broader diagnostic criteria, and increased awareness. However, the data also shows that early intervention, particularly ABA therapy started before age 4, leads to dramatically better outcomes in communication, social skills, and adaptive behavior.
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Find a Provider →Harmony Care Finder Editorial develops general educational guides to help families navigate provider searches, coverage questions, and care planning. Articles are not medical, clinical, or therapeutic advice.
Editorial information. A named clinical reviewer has not been assigned to this article. This guide provides general educational information and is not medical, clinical, insurance, or therapeutic advice.