Major news organizations have been covering the rising rates of Autism across the United States and worldwide. These news organizations have uncovered a number of alarming trends in recent years regarding Autism rates and prevalence. Each news outlet has its angle on the topic, covering the latest scientific studies to highlighting stories of families living with Autism.
Some outlets have interviewed leading experts in the field, while others have looked at potential environmental influences on Autism rates. Regardless of their approach, each media outlet is spotlighting this vital subject. Below we have gathered summaries of some of the most relevant stories on Autism rates from recent years.
New York Times
The New York Times briefed on research released by the CDC that showed the rate of Autism in 8-year-olds had risen from 1 in 44 to 1 in 36. This was especially pronounced among boys, where the rate was 4 percent. However, the article also noted that the increase might not indicate a substantial rise in Autism cases but may be attributable to increased awareness and screening efforts.
USA Today
The USA Today seems to share similar findings with the New York Times, as they reported on a study conducted by the CDC which revealed that in 2018-2020, Autism rates had risen to 1 in 36 children. But they note that this shocking statistic is further compounded when looking at diagnosis rates among children of colour, which have surpassed those of white children.
AP News
AP news picked up on the same CDC study that was reported by the New York Times and USA Today, but with a different angle too. They noted that three out of 100 Hispanic have an Autism diagnosis compared to 2% of white children. This starkly contrasts the past, when Autism was primarily thought to be more prevalent in white children from higher-income families with access to specialists and resources.
The Providence Journal
The Providence Journal news also announced that Earlier this year, a proposal to create unique driver’s licenses bearing the word “autism” had sparked heated debate. The legislation was a result of a request by an autistic teenager that was intended to ensure that an autistic driver would not be misconstrued as a threat during a police stop.
However, the proposal was met with complaints from those who believed it could lead to discrimination against Autistics. Camille Shea, a prominent autism advocate, expressed her concerns about the bill, noting that it “literally labelling us and putting us into a box, rather than uplifting and supporting us.” It is clear that further discussion must be had before any legislation can be passed on this issue.
Nevada
The State of Nevada is also proactive in addressing the rising prevalence of Autism among its residents. In 2011, the State signed in ATAP, which provides families free or low-cost access to evidence-based therapies for children and adolescents with Autism. With the help of initiatives like ATAP Nevada, parents can remain confident about the well-being of their children.
These summaries from major news organizations cover only a tiny snapshot of the larger story surrounding Autism rates.
