A National Snapshot: The CDC’s Latest Autism Prevalence Report
By Leslie Chaplin, PhD, MSW, LICSW, Chief Clinical Officer at MAC Midwest
In April 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released its most recent report through the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network. The data reflect ongoing increases in the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across the U.S.—with 1 in 31 8-year-olds identified with ASD in 2022 across 16 monitored sites.
More notably, the report reveals a positive trend in early identification: children born in 2018 (age 4) were nearly 1.7 times more likely to be diagnosed with autism by age 48 months than their counterparts born just four years earlier. These findings demonstrate meaningful progress in public awareness, clinical training, and access to developmental screenings.
Clarifying the Numbers: Better Identification, Not a Surge in Autism
Despite persistent debate around autism “causes,” the increase in prevalence does not point to a surge in incidence. As experts in evidence-based autism services, we affirm that the rise is due to three main factors: improved access to diagnostic evaluations, broader recognition of autism’s diverse presentations, and a more inclusive understanding of what it means to be autistic.
The Autism Society of America underscored this point in their public response:
“While prevalence rates have increased, this does not indicate a growing ‘epidemic’—rather, it highlights improved identification, diagnostic criteria, and public awareness that reflect a more accurate understanding of the Autism experience.”
As clinicians at MAC Midwest, we fully support this interpretation. This is not a cause for alarm—it’s a call to action.
Persistent Disparities Require Targeted Intervention
The CDC data also reaffirms disparities that the clinical community must continue to address. Autism was identified more frequently in boys than girls, and higher prevalence was observed among children who are Black, Hispanic, American Indian or Alaska Native, and Asian or Pacific Islander compared to their White peers.
Furthermore, nearly 40% of children with ASD had co-occurring intellectual disability, with disproportionate impacts seen in historically underserved populations. These findings reinforce the need for individualized, culturally competent evaluations and treatment approaches.
MAC Midwest: Translating Data into Action
At MAC Midwest, we provide comprehensive autism assessments for individuals aged 18 months to 21 years, regardless of symptom severity. As a behavioral health provider grounded in compassionate, evidence-based care, we utilize structured tools, validated rating scales, and innovative technologies to improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce barriers to access.
Our transdisciplinary team includes Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), licensed mental health professionals, and licensed speech and occupational therapists—working together to ensure that each assessment is thorough, trauma-informed, and clinically actionable.
Adapting Our Services to Meet a Changing Landscape
The CDC’s findings validate what we are seeing across all MAC Midwest centers: demand for autism services is increasing in both volume and complexity. In response, we continue to evolve our programming to address the full spectrum of need.
- Our center-based programs provide intensive behavioral therapy and life skills training for individuals who are moderately to severely impacted.
- Our Supports Plus program serves learners who require a 2:1 or 3:1 support ratio—individuals with significant safety or behavioral challenges who are often turned away from traditional therapy settings.
- We continue to develop group-based social skill series for higher-functioning adolescents and young adults who benefit from peer interaction, perspective-taking, and supported communication practice.
- We are actively exploring service expansion for autistic individuals over age 21, to ensure ongoing socialization and job skills and life enrichment activities.
- We are increasing access to psychotherapy and mental health counseling for individuals with autism as well as for family members, caregivers and communities navigating the emotional and practical complexities of raising or supporting a loved one on the spectrum.
- Through our Esko Center in partnership with North Country Ride, we now offer equine-assisted therapy, using structured horse interaction and horseback riding sessions to support regulation, motor development, communication, and emotional connection. Use of a therapy dog in sessions is also offered in some of our locations.
A Clinical Imperative: Services Must Keep Pace with Identification
As behavior analysts and mental health professionals, we recognize that identification is only the first step. Without access to high-quality intervention, families are left navigating uncertainty. Waitlists, service deserts, and fragmented care systems threaten the very progress the CDC’s report celebrates.
This is why MAC Midwest remains committed to removing barriers and building scalable, sustainable solutions. We believe in a care-model that is individualized, responsive to co-occurring conditions, and driven by functional progress.
In Summary
The CDC’s data confirms what trusted autism providers have long observed: we are identifying more individuals earlier and more accurately. Now the responsibility shifts to the clinical community, policy makers, and funders to ensure that support services evolve accordingly.
At MAC Midwest, we will continue to lead with clinical integrity, compassionate care, and a relentless focus on outcomes—because autism is not a trend. It’s a lifelong experience. And every person on the spectrum deserves services that respect their dignity, honor their potential, and support their growth.
