Autism Spectrum Disorder: Prevalence and Demographics

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects individuals across all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. Key epidemiological facts:

• Prevalence: ~1 in 36 children in the U.S. (CDC 2023).
• Sex ratio: Diagnosed ~4× more often in boys than girls (may reflect diagnostic bias).
• Age of diagnosis: Reliable by age 2; average age ~4 years.
• Comorbidities: Intellectual disability (~30%), epilepsy, GI issues, anxiety, ADHD.

Important Notes

• Vaccines do not cause autism.
• Early intervention (behavioral, speech, occupational therapy) improves outcomes.
• Neurodiversity perspective: autism is a different way of thinking, not solely a deficit.

If you suspect ASD, seek evaluation from a developmental pediatrician, child psychologist, or multidisciplinary team.