On August 3, 2026, we will be celebrating our 20th year of the Foundation’s Golf for Autism! We couldn’t be more excited. We have been collecting extreme raffle prizes from our donors, pushing our sponsors to donate ‘just a little more,’ planning special surprises for the golfers, and much more!
It’s got us thinking about how much has changed in relation to Autism over the last 20 years.
ChatGPT summed it up best!
- Autism prevalence has increased significantly. In the U.S., identified autism rates rose from about 1 in 150 children in 2000 to 1 in 31 children in 2022. Researchers believe much of this increase is due to improved awareness, broader diagnostic criteria, and better screening, although some factors remain under investigation.
- Autism is now viewed as a spectrum. In 2013, the DSM-5 combined separate diagnoses such as Asperger syndrome, autistic disorder, and PDD-NOS into a single diagnosis: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This reflects research showing autism exists across a range of support needs and abilities.
- Support levels were introduced. DSM-5 added Level 1 (requiring support), Level 2 (substantial support), and Level 3 (very substantial support) to describe the degree of assistance an individual may need.
- Earlier identification has improved. Research shows children are being identified and diagnosed at younger ages, allowing earlier intervention and support.
- Treatment research has expanded. Over the last 20 years, evidence has grown for early behavioral interventions, speech-language therapy, social skills training, family support programs, and individualized educational approaches. Research has also improved understanding of co-occurring conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, and intellectual disability.
- Greater recognition of diverse presentations. More recent research has improved identification of autism in girls, women, and adults, groups that were often underdiagnosed in the past.
Overall: The biggest research-driven changes have been increased identification, broader understanding of autism as a spectrum, earlier diagnosis, and more evidence-based, individualized interventions.
Let’s keep making a difference with research, education, diagnosis, and intervention. Thanks to all of you, we are making a difference.
