Study Finds Most Children with ASD Diagnosed After Age 5

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Retrieved May 31, 2012
Early identification is an important step toward ensuring that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) & their families receive early intervention services; however recent results from a study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health found that a majority of school-aged children with special health care needs (CSHCN) & ASD were first diagnosed after age 5 & only one in five was diagnosed within the first 3 years of life. A May 2012 Data Brief (No. 97) from the National Center for Health Statistics at the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) provides more information on these findings & their significance. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db97.htm