CDC Says Autism Rates Climbing Again in 2020

Data collected by the Center for Disease Control’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network shows an increase in autism diagnoses among children. According to the CDC report, 1 in 54 children have the developmental disorder, an increase from the rate of 1 in 59 reported just two years ago.

Alison Singer, president of the Autism Science Foundation, told Disability Scoop that the higher rates of diagnosis are actually positive, because fewer children are falling through the cracks. “We know that the earlier children are diagnosed and the earlier they start intervention, the better their prognosis,” she said.

OUR TAKE: As the number of children diagnosed with autism increases, demand for accessible, sensory-friendly spaces is likely to increase. Businesses can get ahead of the curve by investing in these resources now, making it easier for families touched by autism to participate and take part in activities outside the home.

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