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In 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted a groundbreaking study that estimated the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) among adults aged 18 years and older in the United States. This study marked a significant milestone as it provided critical data on a population that had previously been understudied—adults living with ASD. Prior to this study, the focus of autism research and surveillance had primarily been on children, leaving a gap in understanding the needs of adults with this lifelong condition.

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Key Findings:

1. Prevalence of ASD Among Adults: The study estimated that approximately 5,437,988 adults, or 2.21% of the U.S. adult population, were living with ASD in 2017. This prevalence is based on a model that used state-based population and mortality data, as well as parent-reported survey data of U.S. children diagnosed with ASD. The findings highlight that ASD is not only a condition affecting children but also a significant portion of the adult population, emphasizing the need for continued support and services throughout the lifespan.

2. State-by-State Variation: The prevalence of adults with ASD varied across states, ranging from a low of 1.97% in Louisiana to a high of 2.42% in Massachusetts. The states with the highest estimated number of adults living with ASD included California (701,669), Texas (449,631), New York (342,280), and Florida (329,131). These variations suggest that different states may have different levels of awareness, diagnostic practices, and resources available for adults with ASD.

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3. Gender Disparities: Consistent with trends observed in children, the prevalence of ASD among adults was significantly higher in men than in women. An estimated 4,357,667 male adults (3.62%) were living with ASD, with state estimates ranging from 3.17% in South Dakota to 4.01% in Massachusetts. In contrast, 1,080,322 female adults (0.86%) were estimated to have ASD, with state estimates ranging from 0.72% in Arkansas to 0.97% in Virginia. These findings underscore the need for gender-specific approaches to diagnosis and support services.

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Implications for Public Health and Services

ASD is a lifelong condition that often requires ongoing support and services, yet many adults with ASD remain unidentified and underserved. The findings from this CDC study provide valuable insights for public health officials, policymakers, and service providers. Understanding the prevalence of ASD among adults can help states better assess the need for diagnostic services, as well as the provision of resources and supports for this population.

For example, states with higher prevalence rates may need to allocate more resources towards adult autism services, such as vocational training, social skills development, and mental health support. Additionally, the gender disparities observed in the study suggest that there may be a need for targeted outreach and services for women with ASD, who may be underdiagnosed or face unique challenges.

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The CDC’s 2017 study on the prevalence of ASD among adults in the United States provides crucial data that fills a longstanding gap in our understanding of autism across the lifespan. With an estimated 5,437,988 adults living with ASD, it is clear that autism is not just a childhood condition, but one that impacts a significant portion of the adult population as well. As the need for services and supports for adults with ASD continues to grow, this study serves as a critical resource for informing public health strategies and ensuring that all individuals with ASD have the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives.

By AUTISM LATINO MAGAZINE in Association with BLOCK WORK MEDIA GROUP

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DATA SOURCE: Key Findings: Estimated Number of Adults Living with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the United States, 2017 | Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) | CDC