Autism prevalence rate now 1 in 54 CDC reports; 1 in 44 in MN
The Centers for Disease Control’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network released its biennial prevalence report today that one in 54 U.S. children has an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This reflects an increase over the previous report of one in 59. Also consistent with previous findings, boys are more than four times as likely to be identified with ASD than girls.
These estimates from the ADDM Network are based on data collected from health and special education records of children living in 11 communities across the United States during 2016. Information was collected on 8-year-old children because previous studies have shown that, by this age, most children with ASD have been identified for services.
MN-ADDM, part of the ADDM Network, monitors the prevalence of ASD and of intellectual disability (ID) in parts of Hennepin and Ramsey counties. MN-ADDM collects ongoing data on ASD prevalence in MN communities and provides ASD prevalence estimates every two years.
In Minnesota, the prevalence rate for autism is one in 44, the third highest rate of the 11 data collection sites throughout the country. Minnesota data was collected from Hennepin and Ramsey Counties only, which is where nearly one-third of Minnesota’s population base lies. This new prevalence rate is similar to the previous study which identified prevalence as 1 in 42.
With the shelter in place order from Governor Walz, many will be turning to online shopping to purchase essentials and other items to keep busy during time at home. When you shop Amazon, please select the Autism Society of Minnesota as your charity of choice for the Amazon Smile Program. 
As we work through these unprecedented days altered by the COVID-19/coronavirus pandemic, AuSM is here for you. You may be feeling anxious over changes in routines, unsure about how to handle social isolation and distancing, and nervous about copious and often conflicting information available through the news and social media. You are not alone.
Due to the COVID-19/coronavirus pandemic and in accordance with guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Autism Society of Minnesota is postponing the 25th Annual Minnesota Autism Conference, previously scheduled for April 29-May 2 and the AuSM Gala, scheduled for May 1.
Join AuSM for a fun day of puzzling and community during the 3rd Annual AuSM Connections Jigsaw Puzzle Competition held July 11 in the TCF Rotunda at Mall of America. Teams of up to four people will compete in the 500-Piece and 1,000-Piece competition divisions. All ages and abilities are welcome to puzzle with us! $50 team registration fees support programs and services for the local autism community. New in 2020 will be an added autism resource fair held in the Mall of America's Northeast Court from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Plan to gather resources and have fun during the puzzle competition! Puzzles for the 2020 competition will be provided by PuzzleTwist. 
With a national prevalence rate of 1 in 59 and Minnesota's prevalence rate of 1 in 42, autism is the fastest growing disability. Everyone knows someone who is touched by autism. Since 1971, AuSM has been committed to enhancing the lives of individuals and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. AuSM serves Minnesotans, throughout their lives, with a fundamental commitment to advocacy, education, support, collaboration, and community building. Every dollar raised for AuSM directly benefits the Minnesota autism community through programs and services tailored to the needs of families, individuals, educators, professionals and beyond. AuSM is a 501(c)(3) organization, and donations are tax-deductible.