CDC Autism Report 2025: 1 in 31 U.S. Children Diagnosed

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control partners with the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network to gather important data on autism prevalence. The 2025 CDC report shows that autism spectrum disorder now affects 1 in every 31 children in the U.S. by age eight. This marks a continued rise in diagnoses nationwide, compared to the previously reported 1 in 36 in 2023.

That stat might be alarming, especially with no known cause for autism having been identified at this time. However, there’s also reason for hope. These numbers will make it easier for parents, teachers, and healthcare providers to recognize signs and symptoms and work with these children to improve their lives.

Key findings: 1 in 31 children diagnosed with autism

The obvious finding from the 2025 report is the increased prevalence estimates compared to the previous report. The numbers released in 2025 were based on studies conducted in 2022. 

Through the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, the study found that 32.2 out of every 1,000 children who were eight years old in the United States had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

With the increased autism prevalence, the rates show a wide range of diagnoses. In 2020, the report found boys were four times as likely as girls to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

In the 2025 report, that number has decreased to boys being diagnosed 3.4 times more often than girls. Boys had a rate of 49.2 diagnoses per 1,000 children compared to 14.3 diagnoses per 1,000 girls.

The report also noted a wide variety of diagnoses across racial and ethnic groups. Asian, Black, and Hispanic children were all more likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in this latest report than white children.

This trend was first noted in the 2020 report, as socially disadvantaged neighborhoods are seeing an increase in autism diagnoses. On the other hand, more affluent communities are seeing diagnoses become less prevalent.

In the most recent report, the CDC noted that this is likely due to increased access to identification services among previously underserved groups.

What does this mean for families and the autism community?

For families who receive autism diagnoses, the increased prevalence means some practical steps will have to be taken to try to make transitions easier for your loved one.

Families and the autism community as a whole will likely be seeking out early intervention services, other support services, and school readiness programs.

Many will need to seek out an individualized education plan (IEP), a 504 plan, or other accommodations, depending on the level of support their child requires in school.

Unfortunately, while access to autism diagnostic practices and testing has improved, some families may still struggle to get a diagnosis. Access to appropriate accommodations can also depend on the availability of local services and the capacity of programs to support children.

Why are autism rates rising?

The rising ASD prevalence has led to a lot of questions about why the rates are increasing. Experts at the CDC say rising autism rates are mostly due to a better understanding of autism and how to identify it.

Doctors now have improved diagnostic practices that include better screening tools and more comprehensive testing, making it easier to identify autism spectrum disorder.

Diagnostic criteria for autism testing have evolved over the years. More people have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder because a wider net is being cast in identifying autism.

It’s a spectrum where people with the diagnosis can fall within a wide range, making it necessary to increase the scope of what doctors evaluate during diagnosis.

Increased awareness of autism spectrum disorder as a whole is also contributing to rising rates. 

As the public learns more about the autism spectrum, many are realizing quirks they’ve noticed in loved ones may be signs of ASD.

Public reaction and what comes next

Responses to the report put the scientific community at odds with the US federal government.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. held a news conference where he claimed autism was “preventable” and a “childhood chronic disease epidemic.” Kennedy told reporters an “environmental toxin” was responsible for rising autism rates.

Since being confirmed as Health and Human Services Secretary, Kennedy Jr. has discussed autism spectrum disorder at length. He promised the Trump administration would find a cause by September.

He has also asked the Centers for Disease Control to investigate a potential link between vaccines and autism, despite strong evidence from multiple studies showing no connection.

The most well-known study suggesting a link was later retracted after parts of the report were found to be incorrect and contradicted earlier findings.

Many doctors and scientists responded to Kennedy Jr.’s claims. Dr. Alice Kuo, from UCLA and the incoming chair of the autism subcommittee at the American Academy of Pediatrics, pushed back on the idea of an autism epidemic.

She instead described an autism crisis, pointing to the higher mortality rate among autistic people compared to the general population. Autistic people are twice as likely to die from both natural and unnatural causes.

Other experts say the rise in autism spectrum disorder rates is a positive trend as it shows children on the spectrum are being identified more accurately and earlier in life.

Advocacy groups have argued that the report highlights the need for ongoing support and investment in equity and accessible testing and support, based on credible, science-based research.

From statistics to support

As the statistics show, ASD prevalence is growing in the United States. Autism diagnoses have increased from 1 in 36 children to 1 in 31 children in the latest Centers for Disease Control report.

While that has led to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. identifying an autism epidemic, others see hope in these latest numbers. Many experts and advocates have pointed to increased and improved testing contributing to rising numbers due to the early detection of autism spectrum disorder.

As a community, the rising ASD prevalence doesn’t mean the end of the world. Our loved ones with autism simply need continued support—whether medical, therapeutic, educational, or from the community around them. Knowledge is key to helping the entire community learn and grow together.

FAQs

Q: What is the autism rate in 2025?

A: According to the latest CDC report, the autism prevalence rate increased to 1 in 31 children. The 2025 report published findings from studies conducted in 2022.

Q: What will the autism rate be in 2050?

A: There’s no way to identify precisely what the autism rate will be in 2050. Estimates suggest the rate could increase significantly, with some sources predicting half of all children born in the US will be diagnosed with autism. However, there is no clear evidence to suggest that those predictions will come true.

Q: Why are autism rates so high now?

A: Experts say autism rates tend to be increasing right now due to improved diagnostic practices and changing diagnostic criteria that make it easier to detect autism.

Q: Which countries have the lowest autism rates?

A: Several European countries tend to have the lowest autism rates around the world, including France, Switzerland, Denmark, and Finland. Some Asian countries, including Japan, China, and Indonesia, also tend to have lower autism rates. However, each country reports autism cases differently, and that can impact autism rates.

Q: Is autism increasing in other countries?

A: While the latest CDC report only looks at autism rates in the United States, studies have found ASD prevalence is growing around the globe. Experts attribute the rising rates to increased awareness, improved methods for diagnosis, and changing diagnostic criteria.

Q: What is the strongest cause of autism?

A: Genetics is the primary cause of autism. Research found that genetics contributes 60 to 90 percent of the risk for developing autism. Other potential factors include gene mutations and family history.

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