Autism Prevalence in Maryland

Trends Over Time

Autism rates in Maryland have been climbing. Comparing 2016 to 2018, the rate for eight-year-olds went from 1 in 52 to 1 in 49. This shows more kids are being recognized and diagnosed with ASD.

For four-year-olds, the rate was 1 in 59, or 1.7%, in 2020. Impressively, 83% of these kids had been checked for autism by age three, showing Maryland’s strong early detection efforts.

These numbers highlight the need for ongoing awareness and resources for autism. For a bigger picture, including how Maryland stacks up against other states, check out our article on autism prevalence by state.

Autism Rates Across the U.S.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) rates aren’t the same everywhere in the U.S. Let’s take a closer look at how Maryland stacks up against other states like North Carolina, Colorado, Massachusetts, and Washington D.C., and see how geography plays a role in these differences.

State-by-State Breakdown

Recent numbers show that autism rates among 8-year-olds have jumped to 1 in 36, up from 1 in 44. Here’s a quick look at how some states compare:

Massachusetts tops the list, while Colorado is at the bottom. These differences might be due to how states diagnose autism, how aware people are, and what resources are available.

Why Geography Matters

Where you live can make a big difference in autism rates. In some places, better awareness and more diagnostic services mean more kids get diagnosed. In other areas, fewer resources might mean fewer diagnoses.

The ratio of boys to girls with ASD also changes from state to state. For example, South Dakota has a ratio of 3.94, while Arkansas has 5.08. This suggests that cultural factors, healthcare access, and diagnostic criteria can affect who gets diagnosed.

Overall, autism rates are going up, likely because we’re getting better at diagnosing it and more people are aware of it. Knowing these differences can help parents and professionals find the right resources and support for kids with autism. For more details, check out our article on autism rates by state.

Who’s Affected?

Let’s break down who gets diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Maryland. We’re talking about differences in gender and race, and how they impact the numbers.

Boys vs. Girls

When it comes to autism, boys are more likely to be diagnosed than girls. Nationally, about 0.86% of girls have ASD, while a whopping 3.62% of boys do. Depending on where you live, this gap can be even wider. For example, in South Dakota, boys are nearly four times more likely to be diagnosed than girls, and in Arkansas, it’s over five times.

Why the big difference? No one really knows for sure. Some think boys might be more prone to developing ASD, or maybe the symptoms just show up differently in boys and girls.

Race and Ethnicity

Race and ethnicity also play a big role in who gets diagnosed with autism in Maryland. Among 8-year-olds, Black and Asian/Pacific Islander kids are twice as likely to be diagnosed with ASD compared to Hispanic and White kids.

Here’s a quick look at the numbers:

These stats show that understanding who gets diagnosed with autism isn’t just about looking at one group. It’s about seeing the bigger picture and making sure everyone gets the help they need. For more details, check out our article on autism prevalence and demographics.

Spotting Autism Early

Catching Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) early makes a world of difference in helping kids get the support they need. In Maryland, how and when kids are checked for ASD can vary quite a bit.

How Kids Get Checked

In Maryland, about 83% of 4-year-olds with ASD had a full developmental check-up by age 3, according to the CDC. For 8-year-olds, only 60% had the same check-up by age 3, which is an 11% drop since 2018. This dip shows we need to step up our early screening game to make sure more kids get checked on time.

These thorough check-ups are key because they help figure out what each child with ASD needs, so they can get the right help. Parents and caregivers should push for these early check-ups and work with doctors to make them happen.

When Kids Get Diagnosed

When kids are diagnosed with ASD can really change how well interventions work. In Maryland, 1.7% of 4-year-olds were identified with ASD in 2020, which is lower than the 2.2% rate across all areas tracked by the CDC.

For 8-year-olds, boys are 4 to 5 times more likely to be diagnosed with ASD than girls, with rates of 1 in 30 for boys and 1 in 133 for girls. Also, for the first time since 2000, Black children in Maryland were diagnosed with ASD at higher rates than White children, according to Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Knowing when kids get diagnosed is super important for families and professionals. Catching ASD early means starting interventions sooner, which can really help kids do better. For more info on autism stats and demographics, check out autism prevalence and demographics.

Autism Rates Across Age Groups

Getting a handle on how common autism is among different ages helps us spot trends and boost services for folks with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In Maryland, like everywhere else, age really matters when it comes to diagnosing and reporting autism.

4-Year-Olds

When it comes to 4-year-olds, spotting autism early is a game-changer. Catching it early means kids can get the help they need sooner, which can make a big difference. In Maryland, about 1 in 54 kids this age are diagnosed with autism.

8-Year-Olds

For 8-year-olds, the numbers go up. This makes sense since more kids get diagnosed as they grow older. In Maryland, around 1 in 34 kids in this age group have autism. This bump in numbers is often because people are more aware and the ways we diagnose have gotten better.

These stats show why it’s so important to keep an eye on autism rates as kids grow. Knowing these trends helps parents, teachers, and professionals plan the right support and interventions, making sure kids with ASD get what they need to thrive. Want to see how Maryland stacks up against other states? Check out our article on autism prevalence by state. For more details on autism stats in other places, take a look at autism rates in Massachusetts and autism statistics in Colorado.

How IQ Data Impacts Autism

IQ data plays a big role in understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It offers key insights into treatment options and cognitive abilities among kids with ASD.

Treatment Implications

IQ data is like a roadmap for creating effective treatments for kids with autism. In Maryland, about 60% of kids identified with ASD by the Maryland Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (MD-ADDM) Project had available IQ data. This info helps professionals figure out the best treatment strategies based on each child’s cognitive abilities.

Treatment plans can be fine-tuned to fit the needs of kids with different IQ levels. For example, kids with higher IQs might benefit from more advanced cognitive therapies, while those with lower IQs might need more basic skill-building interventions. Knowing a child’s cognitive profile also helps educators and therapists pick the right teaching methods and support services.

Understanding Cognitive Abilities

IQ data also helps in understanding the cognitive strengths and weaknesses of kids with ASD. By looking at this data, families and professionals can get a clearer picture of a child’s abilities. This info is crucial for creating individualized education plans (IEPs) and making sure kids get the right resources to support their learning.

The table above shows the distribution of kids with ASD across different IQ ranges. This helps families and professionals understand the diverse cognitive abilities within this group. Families can use this info to advocate for their kids’ needs, making sure they get the right support for their unique situations.



For more details on how autism prevalence relates to demographics and other stats, check out our article on autism prevalence and demographics. Understanding the role of IQ data in the context of autism prevalence in Maryland and beyond can help families and professionals make informed decisions about treatment and education.