Hi John,

Today, the CDC released its biennial update of autism prevalence
among the nation's children, based on an analysis of medical
and/or school records of 8-year-olds from 11 monitoring sites across
the United States.

The CDC estimate on autism prevalence increased by nearly 10 percent,
to 1 in 54 children in the U.S.

For the first time, prevalence rates are the same for black and white
children, and significant progress has been made toward the number of
children receiving a developmental screening by age 3. To read more
findings of the report, visit autismspeaks.org

Since Autism Speaks was founded 15 years ago, increased screening and
lowering the age of diagnosis, especially in minority populations,
have been core to our mission and central to our strategic plan and
Next10 vision. These latest autism prevalence results in black and
white children, as well as the progress in the number of children
screened before age 3, are the result of the work of thousands of
Autism Speaks advocates, volunteers and partners.

As a part of our community, YOU have made a meaningful impact to help
more children gain access to the care and resources they need as early
as possible helping ensure every person with autism can lead full,
meaningful lives. From all of us at Autism Speaks, thank you for
helping make these changes possible.

Although we have seen progress, we know there is more work to be done
across research, advocacy, services and supports. We call on
legislators, public health agencies and the National Institutes of
Health to advance research to better understand the continued increase
in prevalence and the co-occurring medical conditions that may
accompany autism, and we invite you to join us in these important
advocacy efforts: [link removed]

We will continue to champion the importance of early screening and
intervention for all children, as we know this leads to better
outcomes and increases the opportunity for people with autism to
thrive. To learn more about the importance of screening, visit
www.ScreenForAutism.org or www.DeteccionDeAutismo.org

Now more than ever, the autism community needs our focus, our
attention and our commitment, so that we can fulfill our vision in
which the 1 in 54 U.S. children on the spectrum can reach their full
potential. Thank you for your continued dedication to our mission.

Sincerely,
Angela Geiger
President & CEO
Autism Speaks

P.S. We know that this can be an especially challenging time for
people with autism and those who love and support them. For resources,
go to www.autismspeaks.org/coronavirus or contact the Autism Response
Team at 888-AUTISM2 or [email protected].


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