Autism up among young adults: Study

A recent study found a 175% increase in autism spectrum disorder diagnosis rates across the U.S. from 2011 to 2022, particularly among young adults ages 26-34, who saw a 450% rise. 

The study, published Oct. 30 in JAMA Network Open, analyzed electronic health records and insurance claims from more than 9 million individuals enrolled in integrated health systems. 

The study was conducted by researchers at Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente, Detroit-based Henry Ford Health and East Lansing-based Michigan State University They found that relative increases in diagnoses rates were greater among children and adult women compared to men, with a 305% increase for children and a 315% increase for adults. In addition, Hispanic children saw a diagnosis rate increase of 315%, and among Black children, there was an increase of 95%.

Despite the overall rise in diagnosis rates, racial and ethnic disparities persisted among adults, indicating a need for improved access to diagnostic services, the researchers wrote.  

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