CDC RELEASES NEW AUTISM NUMBERS
1:31 EIGHT YEAR OLDS
April 15, 2025
One in 31 children in the United States are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder by their 8th birthday, according to a report released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The finding, based on an analysis of medical records from 2022, reflects a dramatic rise in autism over the past two decades. Previous CDC reports showed that 1 in 54 8-year-olds had been diagnosed with autism in 2016. In 2000, it was 1 in 150.
The Autism Society of Florida worked collaboratively with Florida legislators this year to bring about the most comprehensive bill ever written in Florida related to early identification and intervention for those with autism. We are hopeful that this bill becomes law and positively impacts the outcomes of children with autism across our state as they grow to become adults.
About Autism
Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability affecting 1 in 36 children in the United States.
The number of people diagnosed with ASD has increased 175% in the last decade.
Use these quick links to learn more.
RIDE OR DONATE
Help us raise funds to prevent children with autism from drowning.
https://rides.biketothebeach.org/florida/support/#ASFlorida
Every dollar makes a difference.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
WE NEED YOUR HELP
We are working hard to MAKE A DIFFERENCE in our state capital.
Please help us by making a donation.
Your donation will help us get the word out to those who make laws for our state so that we can:
• Stop Drowning
• Put Cameras in Classrooms
• Train Police in #autism
• Require Autism endorsements of teachers in our pubic schools.
Together, we can make a huge difference this year!
Research tells us that 48% of children with autism wander from safety, although we believe it to be much higher, but yet under-reported.
In this ASF presentation given at The 2024 Family Cafe Conference, Steve Moyer, and AngelSense representative, Jeannie Callahan, share steps that you can take to create safer spaces for your kids.
SAFEGUARD YOUR KIDS AGAINST
ELOPEMENT
Conrad Blaze and Michelle Zeman are our new hosts of REACH, our ASF podcast.
These 2 self-advocates bring personal perspective to the issues faced by many on the autism spectrum.
We are fueled by passion and the desire to empower every person with autism and their families. People with autism have unique gifts and can contribute to their communities in many ways. We're fortunate to have them in our lives. The best advocacy occurs with education, respect and the presumption of competence for all.
PREMIER FIRST RESPONDER TRAINING
ASF provides autism training for police officers, fire departments, 911 operators and ER staff with information and life saving techniques to assist in encounters between professionals and children and adults with autism.
Training includes recognizing the signs of ASD, handling behavioral challenges, de-escalation strategies, elopement issues, helpful resources and much more.
COMMUNITY AND LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY
Our board advocates for and contributes to crafting legislation to protect, empower and improve the quality of life for people with autism in all aspects of life. We forge relationships with legislators as well as people in our communities to educate, inform and create awareness about the needs of individuals with autism in Florida.
DROWNING PREVENTION
Drowning is the #1 cause of death in autism and Florida leads the way in child drownings resulting in death. Kids with ASD are 160 times more likely to experience nonfatal and fatal drowning than their neurotypical peers. The Autism Society of Florida provides swim grants & CPR classes. Training in autism is provided to water safety instructors to prepare them for teaching necessary skills to children and adults with autism.
PARENT SUPPORT GROUPS
Our kids don’t come with a special manual or born to parents who have a certain set of skills. We learn as we go. Sometimes we figure things out fairly quickly, and sometimes it takes years of hard work and perspiration. If we try to do it all alone, or feel that we’ve been abandoned by those we once counted on, life can easily begin to feel as though it’s impossible. Join our support group.
Autism Advocate Parenting Magazine
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