Anonymousabout 18 hours ago
The CDC's latest data shows autism prevalence has reached 1 in 31 U.S. children — nearly a fivefold increase since 2000 — driven by broadened diagnostic criteria, improved screening, and possible genuine increases. The resulting demand for therapy, particularly applied behavior analysis, has overwhelmed a workforce short tens of thousands of board-certified behavior analysts and sent state Medicaid budgets spiraling, while autistic adults face an underfunded "services cliff" with unemployment rates near 85%.