New study shows autism diagnosis rates rising

[KSTP-TV News, February 02, 2023] A new study from the American Academy of Pediatrics shows the rate of autism diagnoses in the United States has nearly tripled in the last 16 years. Parents may see the study and be a little alarmed but experts say there’s no reason to be concerned. Those who work in the autism community say the findings aren’t surprising.

“This is not entirely surprising, the number of people who are being diagnosed with autism is going up,” said David Nathan, a licensed psychologist with Allina Health. “As we have more data, we have more information, and the data supports the idea that more people meet criteria based on the testing standards that we have.”

Nathan says while the rate of autism has gone up, so has society’s understanding of the disorder. There are now more resources and early interventions available to families than ever before.