The number of Americans diagnosed with autism is expected to increase by 175% between 2011 and 2022 due to an increase in new cases among young adults. New research shows,
a developmental disorderAutism affects the way people learn, behave, communicate, and interact with others. For the new study, a team led by the research division of Kaiser Permanente in California examined the health records and insurance claims of 12.2 million Americans. autism diagnosis trends,
The study authors identified a 450% increase in diagnoses among adults aged 26 to 34 during the study period, while female cases increased by 315% overall.
Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls, but the gender gap is narrowing.
The study found that new diagnoses in boys have increased by 185% – in girls, they have jumped by 305%.
Overall, about 30 out of every 1,000 children between the ages of 5 and 8 are diagnosed with autism, according to new data published Wednesday in the journal Nature. jama network open,
Researchers say “increased advocacy and education” could motivate more people to get themselves or their children tested.
They also speculated that the increase in cases may be due to changes in screening practices, diagnostic definitionsPolicies and environmental factors.
Still, the study authors say their data may underestimate the true prevalence of the condition, especially among older women. Historically, Autism has become easier to identify in men Compared to women because men display more overt symptoms.
There is no cure for autism, but treatments such as speech or physical therapy, behavioral interventions, or medications can help symptoms.
Scientists aren’t exactly sure what causes the condition — some are exploring its effects. maternal infection during pregnancy,
