News Update

Improved screenings for Black and Latino children led to higher autism rates

More Black and Latino children are being diagnosed with autism, the result of improved screening and awareness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Historically, white children have been more likely to be diagnosed with autism — 30% more likely than Black children and twice more likely than Latino children.

Among all children, the diagnosis rates of autism were 1 in 36 in 2020, up from 1 in 44 in 2018, the L.A. Times reported.

Despite the increase, it’s unclear if access to autism services are more widely available for all. A recent study involving over 530,000 children with autism in the U.S. found that those from racial and ethnic groups face greater disparity in access autism services.

Note: This post was updated to reflect a change made to the diagnosis rates statistics. The original post mistakenly said the rates were one in 44 in 2020, up from 1 in 36 in 2018.


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