In a pioneering effort to address the void in adult-focused autism spectrum disorder (ASD) data, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) undertook a study estimating the prevalence of ASD among adults aged 18 years and older in the United States in 2017. The findings shed light on the prevalence, distribution, and gender dynamics of ASD in the adult population: 

Nationwide Prevalence:

The study estimated that approximately 2.21% of adults in the United States, totaling 5,437,988 individuals, are living with ASD. This revelation is crucial, filling a significant gap in data collection, as there was no existing surveillance system specifically designed to capture information on adults with ASD. 

State-Level Variation:

The prevalence of ASD among adults exhibited geographical diversity, ranging from a low of 1.97% in Louisiana to a high of 2.42% in Massachusetts. States with the highest estimated numbers of adults with ASD included California, Texas, New York, and Florida. 

Gender Disparities:

Consistent with ASD prevalence patterns observed in school-aged children, the study noted higher prevalence rates among men compared to women. Approximately 3.62% of adult males, totaling 4,357,667 individuals, were estimated to have ASD. State-level prevalence among men ranged from 3.17% in South Dakota to 4.01% in Massachusetts. In contrast, 0.86% of adult females, totaling 1,080,322 individuals, were estimated to have ASD, with state-level prevalence ranging from 0.72% in Arkansas to 0.97% in Virginia. 

Lifelong Implications and Service Needs:

ASD is a lifelong condition, emphasizing the enduring importance of diagnostic services and ongoing support for adults with ASD. The study's insights serve as a foundation for states to assess the demand for diagnostic services and support systems catering to adults living with ASD. 

CDC Initiatives for Adult ASD Services:

The CDC, recognizing the lifelong implications of ASD, has directed efforts towards understanding and addressing the service needs of adults: 

Service Planning: The Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network, in its latest funding cycle, supports sites in following up on 16-year-olds previously identified with ASD. This initiative aims to provide essential information for effective transition planning and service needs post-high school. 

Outcome Enhancement: Through the Study to Explore Early Development (SEED), the CDC is actively tracking the transition from adolescence to adulthood for individuals identified with ASD in the mid-2000s. The SEED Teen initiative focuses on understanding the factors that contribute to successful transitions and improved outcomes for young adults with ASD.

In summary, the CDC's comprehensive study offers a critical glimpse into the prevalence of ASD among U.S. adults, emphasizing the need for targeted services and support to enhance the quality of life for this often-overlooked segment of the population.

FOLLOW LIKE SHARE COMMENT

FOLLOW US ON ALL SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS AND DON'T FORGET TO VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO HELP SUPPORT OUR CONTENT.

DATA SOURCE: Key Findings: CDC Releases First Estimates of the Number of Adults Living with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the United States | Autism | NCBDDD | CDC