NCHS Data Briefs Update

NCHS Data Briefs Update

Data Brief, No. 291. Estimated Prevalence of Children With Diagnosed Developmental Disabilities in the United States, 2014–2016

This data brief provides the latest prevalence estimates for diagnosed autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and other developmental delay among children aged 3–17 years. Estimates are also presented for any developmental disability, defined as having had one or more of these three diagnoses. Prevalence estimates are based on parent or guardian report of ever receiving a diagnosis of each developmental disability from a doctor or other health care professional. During 2014–2016, there was a significant increase in the prevalence of children who had ever been diagnosed with any developmental disability. This increase was largely the result of an increase in the prevalence of children diagnosed with a developmental delay other than autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disability. There was not a significant change in the prevalence of diagnosed autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disability over the same time period. Data from the 2014–2016 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) were used for this analysis.

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