On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti What 25 years of CDC data on autism tells us
Sep 8, 2025
Elise Pass, a research professor at Johns Hopkins and co-leader of the CDC's Autism Monitoring Network, and neurologist Suzanne O'Sullivan from London delve into alarming findings: one in 31 American children are diagnosed with autism. They discuss the growing prevalence, the intricacies of diagnostic practices, and the unequal availability of services across communities. Historical data reveals potential overestimations and questions how changing definitions influence public perceptions. The duo emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of autism in the context of societal responses.
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Health And Education Records Both Used
- The CDC uses both health and education records, including Medicaid and school special-education files, to identify autism.
- School psychologists and special-education eligibility are key data sources but differ from clinical diagnoses.
School Eligibility Differs From Clinical Diagnosis
- School eligibility depends on educational impact, so a child can be clinically autistic but not qualify for special-education services.
- Conversely, schools can identify needs without a formal clinical diagnosis, affecting counts.
Contact Schools If You Have Concerns
- Parents should contact local schools if they have developmental concerns because schools must investigate potential disabilities under law.
- School-based assessment can provide free access to evaluation and services for children under public education rights.
