By: MAC Midwest
Recently, MAC Midwest attended the Community Report on Autism presented by the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network, a program of the CDC. As a proud community partner, we pay close attention to this report each year because it helps us understand how autism is identified and experienced across the communities we serve.
This year’s report included both national and state-specific data, revealing meaningful shifts in awareness and diagnosis. While national trends show broader and more equitable identification of autism, the Minnesota data carries important implications for how we provide care, outreach, and resources in our region.
Key Findings in Minnesota
- 1 in 28 children identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- 1 in 28 Hmong children identified with ASD (new focused data set)
- 1 in 12 Somali children identified with ASD — a striking increase highlighting the continued intensity of autism within this population
The data around Somali children in particular deserves close attention. It represents one of the highest prevalence rates seen among any group nationally and reinforces the need for culturally responsive approaches to care, early identification, and family support.
What This Means for MAC Midwest
At MAC Midwest, we believe data like this tells a deeper story. Behind every number is a child, a family, and a community navigating both challenges and hope.
These findings strengthen our commitment to providing inclusive, compassionate, and community-rooted care that honors each learner’s cultural identity, language, and lived experience. They also challenge us to continue building partnerships and programs that remove barriers and meet families where they are.
As we reflect on this year’s report, our goal remains clear: to ensure every learner in Minnesota and beyond has access to the understanding, resources, and support they need to thrive.
You can explore the full CDC report here:
CDC ADDM Community Report on Autism (2025): https://www.cdc.gov/autism/media/pdfs/2025/04/ADDM-Community-Report-SY2022.pdf
