Autism in Children: Why Rising U.S Numbers Matter to Africans
By Adebowale Bello. B.Tech Microbiology, Freelance Health Writer.
AI-generated. Young black children with autism playing together. Image credit: Freepik
In recent years, more people around the world have started paying closer attention to autism, a developmental condition that affects how children communicate, learn and interact with others.
While Africa still struggles with underdiagnosis and widespread stigma around neurological disorders, new data from the United States may offer important lessons and warnings we cannot afford to ignore.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released new figures showing that autism is now diagnosed in 1 out of every 31 American children. For Africans, especially parents, healthcare providers and educators, understanding what this means is vital as we shape the future of mental health on the continent.
The CDC’s latest report was based on data from 14 U.S states and Puerto Rico in 2022. By reviewing school and health records of 8-year-olds which is an age when most autism diagnosis are made, they found a significant increase in the number of children diagnosed compared to previous years.
The report shows that autism rates in children have continued to climb steadily over the years. Back in the early 1990s, only 1 in 10,000 children were diagnosed. That changed in the 2000s when milder forms of autism were recognised as part of a wider spectrum of the conditions. Since then, the number of diagnoses has been rising year after year.
In 2020, the estimate was 1 in 36. Now it’s 1 in 31 and boys remain three times more likely to be diagnosed than girls while the highest rates were found among Asian/Pacific Islander, American Indian/Alaska Native and Black children.
Researchers believe that this increase is not necessarily because more children are developing autism, but because more cases are now being identified due to better awareness, screening and diagnostic tools.
Another important finding is that the rise is particularly noticeable among racial and ethnic groups that were previously underdiagnosed, including black children. This suggests progress in closing the gap in access to children’s health services.
Although this study was done in the U.S, it holds important relevance for Africans. In many African countries, autism is still largely misunderstood, stigmatised or even misdiagnosed as a spiritual or behavioural problem.
Children on the autism spectrum are often labelled as stubborn, mentally ill or even “possessed” and families face shame instead of support.
There are a few takeaways we can learn from this:
If in the U.S, where awareness and diagnostic resources are far more advanced, the rate is 1 in 31, then it’s likely that many African children with autism are simply not being diagnosed. This lack of diagnosis means that many affected children are not getting the support they need in school, at home or in the healthcare system.
The more people know about autism, the earlier children who have the condition can be identified and helped. Public health campaigns, teacher training and community education can go a long way in changing negative perceptions.
Parents and caregivers need to know that delayed speech, difficulty making eye contact or repetitive behaviours may not be signs of disobedience but possible indicators of autism.
In the U.S, the rising rates also reflect efforts to diagnose autism earlier and connect families with resources. African health systems can learn from this. Healthcare workers need training and governments need to invest in special needs education and create policies that support inclusive learning environments.
It is important to note that multiple studies including those by the CDC have found no link between childhood vaccines and autism. Yet, some anti-vaccine advocates still push this narrative, including political figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. who recently announced plans to investigate autism’s causes further.
In Africa, where access to vaccines is still a public health priority, pushing false narratives about vaccines can cause more harm than good. Vaccines save lives. Linking them to autism without evidence only fuels mistrust and can lead to outbreaks of preventable diseases.
One major gap on the continent is the lack of local research. Most autism statistics come from Europe or North America. African countries must begin to conduct their own studies to understand how autism affects local communities. Cultural, genetic and environmental factors could all play a role and without data, we cannot plan effectively.
Support groups, parents and advocacy organisations also have a role to play. By creating safe spaces to talk about autism, we can reduce stigma and increase the chances that children will be supported, not silenced.
Autism is not a Western problem rather it is a global reality. The increasing rates in the U.S should serve as a wake-up call to African countries to prioritise early childhood development, mental health and inclusive education. When we understand autism better, we can support our children better. We can build a world where every child regardless of how they learn or communicate has the chance to thrive.
It’s time to talk about autism openly, invest in our children and make sure no one is left behind.
Source: Shaw KA, Williams S, Patrick ME, et al. Prevalence and Early Identification of Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Children Aged 4 and 8 Years — Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, 16 Sites, United States, 2022. MMWR Surveill Summ 2025;74(No. SS-2):1–22. Available from here.
Published: May 25, 2025
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