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State-Level Trends in the Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from 2000 to 2012: A Reanalysis of Findings from the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Network

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Abstract

Since 2000, the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Network (ADDM) has published detailed prevalence estimates for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among 8 year-olds, which are widely interpreted as the U.S. national prevalence of ASD. Although differences in state-level ASD prevalence has been reported, state-level heterogeneity has not been explored systematically. We analyzed state-level estimates and trends in ASD prevalence from 2000 to 2012 using secondary data from bi-annual ADDM reports. Heterogeneity among state-level ASD prevalence estimates were apparent in 2000 and grew between 2000 and 2012. Findings highlight the need for greater understanding of how children with ASD are identified by the medical and educational systems, which has significant implications for the state-level resources required to effectively manage ASD.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported in part by a NIMH Grant to the University of Massachusetts Boston and Boston University (R01MH104400). Additionally, the authors would like to acknowledge Victoria E. Sanchez for her contribution in preparing this manuscript for publication.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Boston University, One Silber Way, Boston, MA, 02215, USA

    R. Christopher Sheldrick

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA, 02125, USA

    Alice S. Carter

Authors
  1. R. Christopher Sheldrick
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  2. Alice S. Carter
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Contributions

RCS conducted all statistical analyses and drafted the paper. ASC edited the draft and refined the conceptualization. Together, RCS and ASC contributed to completing the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to R. Christopher Sheldrick.

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This article does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors.

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Sheldrick, R.C., Carter, A.S. State-Level Trends in the Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from 2000 to 2012: A Reanalysis of Findings from the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Network. J Autism Dev Disord 48, 3086–3092 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-018-3568-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-018-3568-z

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