In March, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released two new reports that shed light on the current prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the United States. In a significant development, the CDC found that the bulk of autism among 8-year-olds and 4-year-olds in the US has increased from 1 in 44 children in 2021 to 1 in 36. This startling finding has alarmed many and has led to talks of an ‘epidemic of autism.’
This increase is mainly attributed to improving clinicians’ ability to diagnose the disorder. Earlier, diagnosis of ASD depended on observational techniques, which could lead to diagnostic errors if the clinician wasn’t well trained. Other conditions – such as ADHD, learning disabilities, epilepsy, or even anxiety and depression – could be mistaken for signs of autism. This is why the CDC’s new report reveals wide variations in diagnosis of the disorder from state to state and from one school district to another.
The CDC’s report has also addressed one of the most significant issues autism has faced for many years – gender bias. Historically, autism has been thought to be more common in boys than in girls, causing many female autistics to go undiagnosed and unnoticed. However, the new report has documented a slight shift in the balance, which is encouraging. While there is now a 4-to-1 ratio of male-female diagnoses, many experts are skeptical of this statistic because it has stayed remarkably consistent over the past decade despite the overall prevalence of autism has increased dramatically.
The lack of understanding and diagnosis of autism often leads to severe implications. Unsupported autism can significantly increase the chances of homelessness, abuse, or even suicide. In the medical domain, autistics are more likely to suffer needlessly from conditions that could have been prevented or better managed if the person had been diagnosed earlier. Furthermore, autistic adults without the support of privileged families often find themselves at a significant disadvantage. They are usually unable to access much-needed services and benefits such as Social Security and vocational rehabilitation.
In addition to providing accessible and high-quality support services to those with autism, physical fitness can also be an excellent tool for those battling autism. Regular physical activity can help improve motor skills, balance, and coordination in individuals with ASD, increasing self-confidence and enhancing their social interaction skills. Special Strong provides an online platform where individuals with autism can find personal trainers certified through its subsidiary company, Strong Education. This program specializes in providing certification to trainers specifically working with those with autism. Furthermore, physical fitness programs tailored specifically for those with autism can provide an encouraging environment where individuals can find camaraderie with peers in similar situations. Therefore, physical fitness should be made an integral part of the support systems available to those with autism to assist them in reaching their full potential.
Perhaps the most dangerous outdated misconception attached to autism today is that it can disappear over time. In reality, many adults have their autism diagnosed much later in life, often as parents or grandparents. This highlights the complexity behind diagnosing ASD and how ineffective the current social services for ‘high support needs’ autistics can be.
The organizations and services available to autistic people are currently inadequate. They can make it difficult for them to access the assistance they need to live a whole and happy life. Autism is not something that can be ‘cured,’ and we must not treat autistic people as if it can be. Instead, we must focus on providing them with all the support and understanding they need to flourish and reach their full potential.
The rising rates of autism in the latest CDC report should not be seen as a cause for alarm but as an opportunity to make the necessary changes to ensure that autistic people everywhere can access the help they need to lead a better quality of life. To ensure that this happens, autistic people need to be able to find their voices and advocate for themselves, as well as for their families and close-knit community. We need accessible, high-quality support services and places of understanding where autistic people can be safe, secure, and thrive. By doing this, we can begin to create a world where autism is accepted and respected and where autistic individuals can live happily and reach their full potential.
Company Info:
Company name: Special Strong
Company email: info@specialstrong.com
contact No: 833-543-3496