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Over the last decade or more, the number of kids diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder has increased significantly. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about one in 31 children have autism, making it the most common neurodevelopmental condition in the U.S.

But this increase doesn’t mean that autism is growing faster than what should be expected. Instead, experts explain that increased awareness, wider research, and clearer diagnostic criteria are likely responsible for the increase—along with adults who are receiving diagnoses later in life.

“While we don’t understand the rise in cases in its entirety, the increase is due largely to greater awareness, improved screening, and more willingness among parents and professionals to seek and accept a diagnosis,” says Clain Udy, the father of a son with autism, founder of First Ascent, and author of Rebranding Autism: A Guide to Seeing Strength on the Spectrum. “Additionally, more adults are being diagnosed as they recognize autistic traits in themselves.”

What Is Autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how kids experience the world around them, says Ivy Chong, PhD, BCBA-D, a licensed psychologist and chief clinical officer at Little Leaves Behavioral Services. 

“We refer to ASD as a spectrum because it looks different for everyone, and each person has a distinct set of strengths and challenges,” says Dr. Chong. “As the saying goes, ‘If you’ve met one child with autism, you’ve met one child with autism,’ emphasizing the uniqueness of each individual’s experience.” 

Some individuals with autism can speak and live entirely independently, while others may need to communicate through gestures or augmentative devices and require lifelong support to remain safe, she says. “Additionally, a large proportion—around 70%—experience at least one comorbid condition, and about 40% experience two or more co-occurring conditions.”2

How Does Autism Develop?

Autism develops from a combination of genetic and environmental influences, explains Dr. Chong. The CDC reports that 60% to 90% of autism cases have a genetic component, involving multiple genes rather than a single one, she says. 

“Unlike conditions like Down syndrome, where a specific gene can be pinpointed, autism’s genetic factors are more complex,” she says.

Environmental factors, like parental age, maternal diabetes, exposure to specific air pollutants, low birth weight, and birth complications, also can increase risk of autism, especially when combined with genetic factors. It’s unlikely these factors would cause autism independently, though.3

“Autism doesn’t discriminate,” says Dr. Chong. “It occurs in individuals of all races, cultures, socioeconomic statuses, and geographic locations.”

How Does Autism Present in Children?

Because autism is a spectrum disorder, signs or traits can vary from child to child, says Fadiyla Dopwell Louis-Obike, MD, a board-certified developmental-behavioral pediatrician at Pediatrix Medical Group in Dallas. This means autism looks different for every person diagnosed with the condition. Here are some traits that may be present with autism:4

• Communication differences
• Sensory differences
• Stimulation differences 
• Learning differences

This nonlinear spectrum applies to strengths as well, says Udy. Some examples include attention to detail, pattern recognition, memory, spatial awareness, and deep focus, to name a few. All are hallmark characteristics that, when recognized and supported, can lead to a recognition of incredible strengths, he says. 

“So instead of framing autism in terms of ‘symptoms,’ let’s reframe it as a unique pattern of cognitive strengths and differences,” says Udy. “This perspective shift moves us from deficit to distinction.”

How Is Autism Diagnosed?

Autism is diagnosed through a series of assessments. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends health care providers screen for regular developmental delays at 9 months, 18 months, and 30 months, says Dr. Chong.5

“Autism can be reliably diagnosed as early as 18 to 24 months,” she says. “However, if you have concerns about your child’s development at any time, you should seek advice from your pediatrician. Some children have been diagnosed as early as 11 or 12 months.” 

According to Dr. Chong, a combination of tools, including parent interviews, direct observations, and standardized assessments, are used for diagnosis. There also isn’t one simple test or biological marker; rather, a combination of developmental screenings and evaluations, she says. 

“If a pediatrician or parent notices a concern, [your] child may be referred for a comprehensive evaluation, which includes interviews and observations conducted by professionals,” she says. “The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule is considered the gold standard for diagnosis. Early diagnosis is critical for accessing early intensive intervention, to addre

ss the diverse symptoms, particularly when a child does not speak.”

What Experts Say About the Rise in Cases

The rise in autism diagnoses is likely influenced by multiple factors, including increased awareness, expanded diagnostic criteria, and improved screening practices, says Theresa Haskins, EdD, MA, a TEDx speaker and award-winning professor specializing in neurodiversity and disability inclusion.

“But, the numbers are not telling an accurate story,” says Dr. Haskins. “It’s not that we are seeing more autism—it’s that we are better at identifying autistic people. For years, kids in marginalized communities were overlooked or misdiagnosed, usually because they lacked the resources to get adequate assessment and care.” 

Today, more parents are advocating, more professionals are trained, and children are being identified earlier, she says. “This rise in autism rates reflects progress in awareness and access—not necessarily an epidemic. I think we need to be careful only to make comparisons of data under current diagnostic criteria. Looking back too far provides an inaccurate assessment of the situation.”

Likewise, children who might have previously been diagnosed with something else like intellectual disability, language disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) are now more often being diagnosed with ASD, says Dr. Chong. 

Combatting Misconceptions and Falsehoods About Autism

Despite the advances in understanding autism and its causes, there still are an alarming number of misconceptions. Here are some important facts to know in the face of myths that pervade.

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