The Need

The fastest-growing childhood disorder in the US

Autism impacts one in 54 children and is the fastest-growing childhood disorder in the country according to the Center of Disease Control. Autism prevalence has grown at an alarming rate over the last decade, tripling its incidence rate. 

Consistent with prior CDC reports, boys are four-to-five times more likely to identify with autism spectrum disorder. 

Recent studies show that African American children suffer from an on average three-year delay in receiving an autism diagnosis and face tremendous barriers in accessing critical services. This alarming delay in diagnosis is compounded in marginalized communities by issues of poverty, food insecurity, employment opportunities, and lack of affordable transportation and housing. Low-income children are often diagnosed at older ages than their more affluent peers, a reality that denies those children critical opportunities for timely intervention and treatment.

Special Needs Network is committed to ensuring that every child has access to the resources to grow, learn, thrive, and connect.

Autism Facts:

1:54 – Autism impacts one in 54 children and is the fastest-growing childhood disorder in the US according to the Center for Disease Control.

3 yrs – African American children suffer from an on average three-year delay in receiving an autism diagnosis and face tremendous barriers in accessing services.  

4-5X – Consistent with prior CDC reports, boys are 4 to 5 times more likely to be identified with autism spectrum disorder. 

300% – Autism prevalence has grown alarmingly over the last decade, tripling its incidence rate.