Each year, the IRCA reports on the incidence of autism spectrum disorders in public schools in Indiana. Twenty years ago, commonly accepted incidence rates ranged from 2 to 5 individuals per 10,000. Today, the Centers for Disease Control believes that the incidence is 1 in 150 for those diagnosed with autism, Asperger’s syndrome, and other pervasive developmental disorders.
So, if the projected incidence rates are accurate, what does this mean for Indiana? Based on the estimated census data from 2006, Indiana is home to 6,313,520 citizens. At an estimated rate of 1 in 150, there are potentially 42,090 individuals with a diagnosis on the autism spectrum. Remember these numbers are projected and only estimate the real occurrence of autism spectrum disorders in Indiana. No database exists of the actual numbers of people on the autism spectrum.
Another example of this increase is the 2007-2008 Child Count Data collected by the Indiana Department of Education, Center for Exceptional Learners from school districts across Indiana. The number of students enrolled in Indiana’s public schools during the 2007-2008 school year was 1,044,513. The number of students identified with an autism spectrum disorder during this same period of time was 9,236. This is even more significant when one considers that 1,053 more students are being served under this disability category than in 2006-2007. Using these numbers, approximately .0088% or 8.8 in 1,000 students in Indiana have a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder. Last year, this number was 7.8 in1,000 students. In other words, last year 1 in 128 students were served under the eligibility category of autism spectrum disorders. This year’s identification rate is 1 in 113.
Each year, the number of students served under this category increases faster than almost any other disability category. And since parents report that some of these students are served under the labels of Other Health Impairment or Emotional Disability this number may not be a true reflection of the real incidence. In addition, this child count data does not include children who are home schooled or educated in private schools or programs.
While there is a general belief and awareness that autism spectrum disorders are on the rise, it is unclear why. Some believe that more children are being identified because the medical community and other professionals have a better understanding of autism spectrum disorders, and because the definition of autism has been expanded to encompass more individuals. Others believe that the increase is real and are advocating for research to investigate the potential causes of autism. Whether we believe the growth is fact or fiction, the reality is that more Indiana citizens are being served under the eligibility category of Autism Spectrum Disorders.
