Autism Prevalence in Maryland
Overview of Autism Rates
In Maryland, autism prevalence rates provide crucial insights into the landscape of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) within the state. According to a report by the CDC, which included data from a Maryland site covering five Baltimore-area counties, the overall prevalence of autism among 8-year-olds in 2022 was 1 in 31 (3.2%). Specifically for the Maryland study site, the prevalence was 1 in 38 (2.6%) among 8-year-olds and 1 in 41 (2.4%) among 4-year-olds.
Gender Disparities in Diagnosis
Gender disparities in autism diagnosis are evident in the data. In Maryland, among 8-year-olds, there are 3.9 boys for every girl diagnosed with autism. This ratio is somewhat less pronounced among 4-year-olds, with 2.6 boys for every girl diagnosed with autism. These statistics align with broader trends observed across the United States, where the CDC notes that ASD is approximately 3.8 times more prevalent among boys than girls.
| Age Group | Boys to Girls Ratio |
| 8-year-olds | 3.9:1 |
| 4-year-olds | 2.6:1 |
For further details and comparisons with other states, visit our articles on New Jersey autism statistics and Colorado autism rates. Explore additional aspects of autism in Maryland by reading about the racial disparities in diagnosis and progress in early identification.
Trends and Statistics in Maryland
Examining the trends and statistics in Maryland reveals significant insights into the increasing prevalence of autism and the cognitive abilities of those diagnosed.
Increase in Autism Prevalence
The prevalence of autism in Maryland has seen a steady rise over recent years. From 2012 to 2018, there was an average annual increase of 10.3% in autism cases in the state. In 2002, the estimated prevalence for 8-year-old children was 1 in 166, a figure that dramatically rose to 1 in 48 by 2016.
| Year | Prevalence (1 in X) |
| 2002 | 166 |
| 2012 | 110 |
| 2014 | 68 |
| 2016 | 48 |
This increase aligns with broader national trends observed across various states, including New Jersey and Colorado. For example, the overall ASD prevalence for 2020 was estimated at 1 in 36 children aged 8 years, highlighting a consistent rise seen in Maryland as well.
Cognitive Abilities and Intellectual Disability
Among children diagnosed with autism in Maryland, 22% have been identified as having an intellectual disability. In 2016, this percentage was marked higher, with 45% of children diagnosed with ASD also having an intellectual disability.
| Year | Intellectual Disability (%) |
| 2016 | 45 |
| 2020 | 22 |
It’s noteworthy that children with both autism and intellectual disabilities face additional challenges, contributing to significant impacts on their education and daily life. Families and educators can explore tailored resources and strategies available through various support networks, including Colorado autism resources.
These statistics underline the importance of early identification and intervention for children showing signs of autism. For more comprehensive insights into autism trends and statistics in other states like Colorado, visit Colorado autism research.
Maryland Specific Data
Understanding the specifics of autism prevalence in Maryland provides essential insights into diagnosis and early identification trends.
Racial Disparities in Diagnosis
In Maryland, there are significant racial disparities in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). According to a CDC report that includes data from a Maryland site covering five Baltimore-area counties, the highest autism prevalence estimates among 8-year-olds in 2022 were observed in Black children (1 in 27), followed by Asian/Pacific Islander (1 in 32), multiracial (1 in 34), Hispanic (1 in 35), and white (1 in 52) children.
The data indicates disparities that suggest further investigation and targeted interventions to ensure equitable healthcare.
| Ethnicity/Race | Prevalence (1 in X) |
| Black | 27 |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 32 |
| Multiracial | 34 |
| Hispanic | 35 |
| White | 52 |
Progress in Early Identification
Progress in early identification of autism in Maryland has been notable. The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reported a prevalence of 1 in 38 among 8-year-olds and 1 in 41 among 4-year-olds in 2022. This data emphasizes the importance of early screening programs.
Moreover, the prevalence of autism in Maryland has been steadily increasing, with data indicating an average increase of 10.3% per year from 2012 to 2018. The statewide prevalence rate is higher than the national average, with 1 in 44 children diagnosed with autism in Maryland compared to the national average of 1 in 54 children.
Continuous efforts in early diagnosis can contribute to better long-term outcomes for children with ASD. By focusing on these specific aspects, Maryland strives to address disparities and emphasize early interventions to ensure all children receive the care they need.
Comparison across States
Examining autism prevalence across different states provides a broader understanding of the condition’s impact. The CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network tracks these statistics extensively.
ASD Prevalence in 2020
In 2020, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) prevalence varied significantly across the 11 ADDM Network sites, ranging from 23.1 per 1,000 children in Maryland to 44.9 per 1,000 children in California. This variation highlights the differences in identifying and diagnosing autism across the United States.
| State | ASD Prevalence per 1,000 Children |
| Maryland | 23.1 |
| New Jersey | 29.7 |
| Colorado | 24.8 |
| California | 44.9 |
Overall, the average ASD prevalence across all ADDM sites was 27.6 per 1,000 children, or approximately 1 in 36 children. The prevalence was notably higher among boys, estimated at 4% compared to just 1% in girls.
Household Income and Demographic Associations
ASD prevalence also shows associations with household income and demographic factors. At three ADDM sites, lower household incomes were associated with higher prevalence rates of ASD. However, there was no significant association between household income and autism prevalence at other sites.
Demographically, ASD prevalence was lower among non-Hispanic White children and children of two or more races than among non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic Asian or Pacific Islander children. This data underscores the importance of addressing racial and socioeconomic disparities in autism diagnosis and support.
| Demographic | ASD Prevalence |
| Non-Hispanic White | Lower |
| Non-Hispanic Black | Higher |
| Hispanic | Higher |
| Non-Hispanic Asian/Pacific Islander | Higher |
Understanding these disparities is vital for creating equitable support systems for all individuals with autism. Further research and targeted efforts are necessary to address and bridge these gaps, ensuring that every individual receives the help and resources they need.
SOURCES:
https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/new-cdc-report-shows-increase-in-autism-in-2022-with-notable-shifts-in-race-ethnicity-and-sex
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/ss/ss7202a1.htm
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250417/New-CDC-report-highlights-changing-autism-trends-across-the-US.aspx
https://archive.cdc.gov/#/details?url=https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/addm-community-report/maryland.html
https://autismsocietymd.org/resources/about-autism/
