Facts About Autism
Autism By The Numbers
According to the CDC's most recent surveillance data, approximately 1 in 31 8-year-old children in the United States has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). That represents a substantial increase from 1 in 150 children when the CDC first began tracking autism in 2000.
Autism is More Common In Boys
Boys are diagnosed with autism approximately 3.4 times more often than girls.
Boys: 1 in 20
Girls: 1 in 70
Although boys are diagnosed more frequently, researchers believe some girls may be underdiagnosed because autism can present differently in females
Autism Is a Spectrum
Some individuals require relatively little day-to-day support, while others require substantial or very substantial support throughout their lives.
Because of this wide range of abilities and challenges, the DSM-5 describes autism using support levels rather than separate diagnoses.
Support Levels
Level 1: Requiring support
Level 2: Requiring substantial support
Level 3: Requiring very substantial support
Daxton was diagnosed with Level 3 Autism, meaning he requires significant support with communication, safety, and daily living.
What Is Profound Autism?
Some researchers and advocacy organizations use the term "profound autism" to describe autistic individuals who have very high support needs, such as those who are non-speaking or minimally speaking, have intellectual disability, or require lifelong supervision.
Current estimates suggest approximately 26–33% of autistic individuals may meet proposed criteria for profound autism.
Daxton meets the criteria for profound autism.
Many Children With Autism Have Other Medical Conditions
ADHD
Approximately 30–60% of autistic children also meet criteria for ADHD.
Sleep Problems
Around 50–80% of autistic children experience chronic sleep difficulties.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Studies estimate that 40–70% of autistic children experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or reflux,
Epilepsy
Approximately 10–20% of autistic individuals develop epilepsy
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High Mortality Rate Associated With Autism
Studies consistently show that autistic people have a higher risk of premature death than the general population, but autism itself is not usually the direct cause. Contributing factors include:
Epilepsy (particularly in those with intellectual disability)
Accidental drowning and other injuries (especially in children who elope)
Choking and aspiration
Suicide and mental health conditions (particularly among autistic people without intellectual disability)
Barriers to accessing healthcare
Co-occurring medical conditions
Families in rural communities often face additional challenges, including long waitlists, fewer specialists, and the need to travel significant distances for evaluations, therapies, and medical appointments.
Behind every statistic is a child with unique strengths, challenges, and unlimited potential. Autism is not one-size-fits-all, and neither is the path forward. Every family makes thoughtful decisions about the therapies and supports they believe are best for their child. Our family is committed to giving Daxton every opportunity to communicate, grow, and thrive through a personalized combination of educational services, traditional therapies, and carefully considered complementary approaches. We are grateful to everyone who chooses to walk this journey with us.