Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Quiz

Characteristics and Statistics of Autism Spectrum Disorder

• The DSM-5 outlines core diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) including persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, symptoms present in early developmental period, causing significant impairment, and not attributed to intellectual disability or global developmental delay.
• The severity of ASD is categorized into three levels: Level 1 requiring support, Level 2 requiring substantial support, and Level 3 requiring very substantial support.
• Historical prevalence estimates show an increase in the mid-1990s, with recent data from the CDC indicating a diagnosis rate of 1 in 36 children in the US.
• International prevalence rates show a mean of 1 in 152 individuals diagnosed with ASD, with underdiagnosis particularly prevalent in low socioeconomic status, minority, and immigrant populations.
• Regression, or loss of skills, occurs in 1 in 4 children diagnosed with ASD and is associated with more severe symptoms.
• Approximately 69% of individuals with ASD have a co-occurring intellectual disability, and epilepsy is 10 to 30 times more prevalent in individuals with ASD, particularly in those with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities.
• Prevalence rates vary among states, with New Jersey reporting the highest rate at 1 in 41 and South Carolina the lowest at 1 in 81.
• White non-Hispanic children are more likely to be identified with ASD compared to Black non-Hispanic and Hispanic children, and Black and Hispanic children are less likely to be evaluated for concerns by age 3 compared to White children.
• The majority of children with ASD do not receive a diagnosis by a community provider until age 4, and special education systems play an important role in identifying children with ASD.
• Factors contributing to the increase in ASD prevalence include increased awareness, broadening of classification criteria, different case-finding methods, and service availability.
• Epidemiologists argue that ASD is influenced by biological, cultural, and psychological factors, and its conceptualization affects diagnosis and treatment.
• ASD is about 4.5 times more common among boys than girls.