There was a 450% increase in autism spectrum disorder diagnoses among young adults, according to a recent study. 

In the study researchers investigated trends in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses among over 9 million participants in the U.S. from 2011 to 2022. Utilizing electronic health and insurance claims data, this cross-sectional analysis revealed a significant increase in ASD diagnoses, particularly among young adults, females, and certain racial and ethnic minority groups.

The study, published in JAMA Network Open, reported a 175% overall rise in the ASD diagnosis rate, escalating from 2.3 per 1,000 in 2011 to 6.3 per 1,000 in 2022. The most pronounced relative increase was observed in participants aged 26 to 34 years, with a 450% rise. Female diagnosis rates exhibited a greater increase than their male counterparts, with female children experiencing a 305% increase compared to 185% for males. Among adults, female diagnosis rates rose by 315%, while male rates increased by 215%.

Racial and ethnic disparities were evident, with Hispanic children experiencing an increase in diagnosis rates from 6.2 per 1,000 to 25.7 per 1,000, while Black children also showed an increase in their diagnosis rates. However, disparities persisted among adults, as White participants were more frequently diagnosed with ASD compared to Black and Hispanic adults.

The findings suggest that additional healthcare services and research may be necessary to address the sociodemographic disparities affecting the ASD population in the U.S. The patterns of ASD diagnosis suggest a need to address the healthcare needs of this growing population.

Full disclosures can be found in the published study.