As awareness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has increased in recent years, the number of children diagnosed with the condition has risen dramatically. In 2002, one in every 150 eight-year-old children received the diagnosis. In 2020, the figure was one in every 36, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That's an increase of more than 300%.
Children on the autism spectrum face challenges with communication, social interaction, sensory processing, and repetitive behaviors. According to a study from 2014, nearly a third also have an intellectual disability. Every diagnosis is an opportunity to help a student who might otherwise struggle.
