Autism Awareness Month is a great opportunity to advocate for the early detection and intervention of autism. Autism Spectrum Disorder affects people of all racial, ethnic, gender, and socioeconomic groups. In 2004, 1 in 125 people were known to have autism. In 2022, 1 in 44 children were known to have autism. It is more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes, and pediatric AIDS combined. Autism Spectrum Disorder is also highly comorbid with ADHD, depression, and anxiety. Research shows that the increase in autism diagnoses can be attributed to a variety of factors. The change in DSM-V that ended Asperger's Disorder and changed autism to be a more inclusive spectrum disorder, accounts for some of the increase in prevalence rates. These changes have made significant progress in the treatment of autism by promoting early detection and treatment. Autism Spectrum Disorder has a substantial impact on the emotional, psychological, social, and financial functioning of families. Early detection of autism has been proven to greatly increase the level of functioning of the individual. Early detection and diagnosis enables families to gain comprehensive services and support for their loved ones, promoting the individual’s development and decreasing stress within the family.

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