In speaking with them, they highlighted these key takeaways from the CDC Report:
Further, Black children with ASD were more likely to have lower IQ scores than White or Hispanic children. This indicates that only more severe forms of ASD are being identified among Black children than White children andFor the first time, the 8-year-old report estimated the prevalence of ASD among the American Indian/Alaskan Native population. The majority of ASD was estimated to be 29 per 1,000 children.
"With 2.3% of children in the U.S. diagnosed with autism, this report validates our rallying cry for a significant increase in funding. We need to provide more support and ensure that they are provided the services needed from early intervention to adult transition and throughout the entire lifespan," said Autism Speaks President and Chief Executive Officer Keith Wargo.
"Based on the 4-year-old report that looked at 'suspected ASD' cases, more White children than other minority groups had higher suspected ASD cases," said Andy Shih, Ph.D., Interim Chief Science Officer of Autism Speaks."A lower proportion of suspected ASD cases had a co-occurring intellectual disability. We need more targeted research to understand this disparity. Anlikely triggers ASD evaluation in minority communities more than in White children.