
Prevalence of autism in U.S. children aged 8 years in selected states 2018
Autism spectrum disorder in children
New Jersey has one of the highest prevalence rates of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) among children aged 8 years. In 2018, New Jersey’s prevalence rate reached 28.4 cases per 1,000 children while the rate was about 18.8 cases per 1,000 children in Wisconsin. ASD is more common among male than female children, with an estimated 45.6 male cases per 1,000 children and 10.1 female cases per 1,000 children in New Jersey the same year.
Limitations in a child with autism can vary between individuals and develop over time. In New Jersey, the median age of diagnosis among children with an ASD diagnosis with an IQ greater than 70 was 53 months of age, in comparison to 44 months for children with an ASD diagnosis and an IQ greater or equal to 70, indicating a co-occurring intellectual disability.
Prevalence of ASD has increased significantly since the late 1960s by about 20 to 30 times. Many studies suggest that this is due to improved awareness and recognition as well as diagnostic capabilities. For those living with autism, lifetime costs may total up to 2.68 million U.S. dollars. Autism is likely caused by a combination of genetics and environmental factors, where people with ASD may have abnormal levels of brain serotonin which could disrupt early brain development.