The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder remained stable among U.S. children from 2014 through 2016, according to a research letter published in JAMA.
While the rates of autism spectrum disorder rose steadily from 2000 to 2010, the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network reported a plateau in the disorder's prevalence for 2012. To determine more current autism rates, researchers examined 2014-16 data compiled during the National Health Interview Survey. In total, researchers examined more than 30,000 survey responses from children and their families.
Analysis revealed 2.24 percent of children respondents had an autism spectrum disorder in 2014. This number rose slightly to 2.41 percent in 2015 and 2.58 percent in 2016. One research limitation is that the NHIS survey relies on self- or family-reported physician diagnosis.
Researchers suggested changes in diagnostic criteria for the disorder, increased public awareness and environmental risk factors may be responsible for the "previously observed increase in [autism spectrum disorder] prevalence."
"Continued monitoring of the prevalence and investigation of changes in risk factors are warranted," concluded the researchers.
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