What are the Autism Statistics for Children in North Carolina?
North Carolina has some of the highest recorded autism spectrum disorder (ASD) prevalence rates in the United States. According to 2020 CDC ADDM data and analysis from the University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, the prevalence among 8-year-olds in the state is 27.6 per 1,000 children, or approximately 1 in 39. This significantly exceeds the national average of 23.0 per 1,000 (1 in 54).
Key statistics and trends for North Carolina include:
- County Variations: Autism rates vary by location, with urban areas often showing higher estimates due to better identification and access to screenings. For example, Wake and Alamance counties have reported rates higher than the state average.
- Early Intervention: The state has shown progress in early screening, with many evaluations occurring by age 3. Identification efforts generally begin with pediatrician screenings at 18 and 24 months.
- Demographic Trends: While diagnosis rates for females have shown a steady increase over the last 20 years, research indicates that underdiagnosis or later identification still persists for this group.
Increased awareness and improved screening protocols are cited as primary factors behind the rising number of diagnoses in the state.
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