The Prevalence of Parent-Reported Autism Spectrum Disorder Among US Children

Abstract

To estimate the national prevalence of parent-reported autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis among US children aged 3 to 17 years as well as their treatment and health care experiences using the 2016 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH). METHODS: The 2016 NSCH is a nationally representative survey of 50 212 children focused on the health and well-being of children aged 0 to 17 years. The NSCH collected parentreported information on whether children ever received an ASD diagnosis by a care provider, current ASD status, health care use, access and challenges, and methods of treatment. We calculated weighted prevalence estimates of ASD, compared health care experiences of children with ASD to other children, and examined factors associated with increased likelihood of medication and behavioral treatment. RESULTS: Parents of an estimated 1.5 million US children aged 3 to 17 years (2.50%) reported that their child had ever received an ASD diagnosis and currently had the condition. Children with parent-reported ASD diagnosis were more likely to have greater health care needs and difficulties accessing health care than children with other emotional or behavioral disorders (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, behavioral or conduct problems, depression, developmental delay, Down syndrome, intellectual disability, learning disability, Tourette syndrome) and children without these conditions. Of children with current ASD, 27% were taking medication for ASD-related symptoms, whereas 64% received behavioral treatments in the last 12 months, with variations by sociodemographic characteristics and co-occurring conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The estimated prevalence of US children with a parent-reported ASD diagnosis is now 1 in 40, with rates of ASD-specific treatment usage varying by children's sociodemographic and co-occurring conditions.

Priority service needs and receipt across the lifespan for individuals with autism spectrum disorder

“…First, the survey was based on caregiver report of ASD, without clinical validation and data are limited by parents' knowledge and recollection, which could impact the validity of the results as reflecting the true priority needs of those with ASD. While not the gold standard in ascertainment, several large scale family caregiver surveys have used caregiver report of official diagnosis and other variables [Kogan et al, 2008[Kogan et al, , 2009Lin, Yu, & Harwood, 2012;Totsika et al, 2011;Shattuck, Narendorf et al, 2012] and a verification study showed reliability of diagnosis by caregivers [Daniels et al, 2012]. Second, our data was collected by convenience sampling using primarily online methods, which may have created barriers to participation for some families.…”

Joint attention interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), , , Kogan et al . , Nassar ). A systematic review of global prevalence rates estimates the prevalence of autistic disorder at 17 per 10 000 (Elsabbagh et al .…”

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder in a person with an Autism Spectrum Condition and Intellectual Disability: A Case Study

“…The main symptoms fall into a triad of problems with communication, social skills and restricted interest/repetitive behaviours (Volkmar et al 2004). The prevalence of ASC is thought to be around 0.5-1% (Kogan et al 2009). Around 60-70% of people with ASC also have intellectual disability (Brugha et al 2009).…”