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Community resources

Information that policymakers, educators and services providers can use

How can policymakers, educators and service providers plan now to meet current and future needs of people with autism and other developmental disabilities?  We have collected information and resources to help high-level planners understand the prevalence of autism, facts about autism insurance mandates, and agencies that serve people with disabilities.

What is the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder?

The CDC funds the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network (ADDM), whose most recent report, in March 2023 based on 2020 data from 11 states, found an overall prevalence of 1 in 36 8-year-old children with ASD (2.8 percent). In 2020, the rate of ASD for 8-year-old boys was 3.8 times higher than among girls at all sites.  In a separate report, the same ADDM sites contributed to prevalence numbers among 4-year-olds, finding a prevalence of 1 in 46 children (2.2 percent). Research sites in 11 states participated, including Maryland.  Other sites were in Arizona, Arkansas, California Georgia, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Tennessee, Utah, and Wisconsin.

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Who oversees federal autism efforts?

The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) is an advisory committee that includes both federal and public members. Its goal is to ensure that a range of ideas and perspectives are represented in coordinating federal efforts and providing advice to the secretary of Health and Human Services. The IACC's meetings are public. Learn more.

What is Medicaid's role in autism services?

The federal Medicaid program has several coverage categories for ASD. Additionally, states can create home and community-based waivers for services.  Learn more

 

Where can I learn more about Maryland-based services?

Maryland's Developmental Disabilities Administration focuses on six areas: self-determination, self-advocacy, supporting families, housing, employment, and assistive technology. The DDA administers various programs for people with ASD and their families, ranging from childhood to adulthood. Learn more

The Governor's Office of Community Initiatives has a state coordinator for autism strategy, Katie Gandy, and also an Advisory Stakeholder Group on Autism-Related Needs. Learn more.

The Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities (MCDD) at Kennedy Krieger Institute is one of a national network of University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. MCDD offers research and evaluation on policies; community service and technical assistance; training and continuing education; dissemination of information. Learn more