The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among children in the United States has risen dramatically over the past two decades. In 2022, an estimated 32.2 out of every 1,000 8-year-old children were identified with ASD, marking a nearly fivefold increase from the rate of 6.7 per 1,000 children in 2000. This significant upward trend underscores the growing importance of understanding and addressing ASD in American society. Gender disparities in autism diagnosis The increase in ASD prevalence is not uniform across genders. From 2016 to 2019, male children were nearly four times more likely to be diagnosed with ASD than their female counterparts. Approximately 4.8 percent of boys aged 3 to 17 years had received an ASD diagnosis at some point in their lives, compared to only 1.3 percent of girls in the same age group. This substantial gender gap highlights the need for further research into potential biological and social factors influencing ASD diagnosis rates. Racial and ethnic variations in autism prevalence Autism prevalence also varies across racial and ethnic groups. Data from 2016 to 2019 show that non-Hispanic white children aged 3 to 17 years had an ASD prevalence of 2.9 percent, while around 3.5 percent of Hispanic children had ASD. While this statistic provides insight, it is essential to consider potential disparities in diagnosis and access to services among different racial and ethnic communities. Further research and targeted interventions may be necessary to ensure equitable identification and support for children with ASD across all populations.

The prevalence rate of autism spectrum disorder among male children aged eight years in Georgia was estimated to be around ** per 1,000 children as of 2022. Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disability characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction as well as repetitive behavior, interest, or activity patterns. This statistic displays the estimated prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among children aged 8 years in select U.S. states in 2022, by gender.

The prevalence rate of autism spectrum disorder among children aged eight years in the state Georgia was estimated to be around **** per 1,000 children. Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disability characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction as well as repetitive behavior, interest, or activity patterns. Autism spectrum disorder in childrenAmong 14 U.S. states with areas that were monitored for autism spectrum disorder in 2022, California had the highest prevalence rates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among children aged eight years. In 2022, California’s prevalence rate was estimated to be **** cases per 1,000 children, while the rate was about **** cases per 1,000 children in Indiana. ASD is more common among male than female children, with an estimated ** male cases per 1,000 children and ** female cases per 1,000 children in California in 2022. Limitations in a child with autism can vary between individuals and develop over time. In California, the median age of diagnosis among children with an ASD diagnosis with an IQ greater than 70 was ********* of age, in comparison to ********* for children with an ASD diagnosis and an IQ less than or equal to 70, indicating a co-occurring intellectual disability. The prevalence of ASD has increased significantly since the late 1960s by about ** to ** times. Many studies suggest that this is due to improved awareness and recognition, as well as diagnostic capabilities. Autism is likely caused by a combination of genetics and environmental factors, where people with ASD may have abnormal levels of brain serotonin, which could disrupt early brain development.

These statistics present a group of measures on waiting times for autism spectrum disorder diagnostic pathways, based on the time between a referral for suspected autism and the first care contact associated with that referral. There are also multiple breakdowns based on the progression and outcomes of those referrals. Each of these measures contributes to an overall picture of waiting times for diagnostic pathways. The approach is outlined in the methodology section of this publication.

The prevalence rate of autism spectrum disorder among four-year-old children in Missouri was around 24.8 per 1,000 children in 2022. Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disability characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction as well as repetitive behavior, interest, or activity patterns. This statistic displays the estimated prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among children aged four years in select U.S. states in 2022.

Historical Dataset of Center For Autism Spectrum And Development Disorders is provided by PublicSchoolReview and contain statistics on metrics:Total Students Trends Over Years (2013-2023),Total Classroom Teachers Trends Over Years (2013-2023),Distribution of Students By Grade Trends,Student-Teacher Ratio Comparison Over Years (2013-2023),Asian Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2013-2023),Hispanic Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2013-2023),Black Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2013-2023),White Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2013-2023),Two or More Races Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2013-2023),Diversity Score Comparison Over Years (2013-2023),Free Lunch Eligibility Comparison Over Years (2013-2023),Reduced-Price Lunch Eligibility Comparison Over Years (2013-2023)

These statistics present the number of new referrals to mental health services for which the referral reason was suspected autism, as well as their waiting times to first appointment. These are Experimental Statistics and are being published to involve users and stakeholders in their development and as a means to build in quality at an early stage. This publication presents a partial picture of autism as assessments for autism may be undertaken in a variety of care settings. We are working closely with the Autism programme at NHS England to understand how this activity should flow across our mental health and community data sets and how to continue the development of this national reporting.

The global Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) market, valued at $7.78 billion in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.6% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is driven by several key factors. Increased awareness and early diagnosis of ASD are leading to higher treatment rates. Advances in therapeutic interventions, including both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches, offer improved outcomes for individuals with ASD and their families. Furthermore, the growing prevalence of ASD globally, coupled with increased investment in research and development of new treatments, fuels market growth. The market is segmented by therapy type (pharmacological and non-pharmacological) and age group (pediatric and adult), reflecting the diverse needs of the ASD population. Pharmacological therapies currently hold a larger market share, due to the established efficacy of certain medications in managing ASD-related symptoms. However, the non-pharmacological segment is experiencing significant growth, driven by rising interest in behavioral therapies and other holistic approaches. The adult segment shows increasing demand as individuals with ASD live longer and require continued support. Regionally, North America and Europe currently dominate the market due to established healthcare infrastructure, higher awareness, and greater access to specialized services. However, Asia-Pacific is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years, fueled by rising disposable incomes, improved healthcare access, and increasing diagnostic capabilities. Competitive pressures within the market are intense, with leading companies focusing on developing innovative therapies, expanding their geographical reach, and strengthening their market positioning through strategic collaborations and acquisitions. Challenges remain, including the high cost of treatments, accessibility issues in certain regions, and the need for more effective treatments for specific ASD-related symptoms. Despite these challenges, the long-term outlook for the ASD market remains positive, driven by sustained investment in research, growing awareness, and an increasing focus on improving the lives of individuals with ASD.

Input datasets on Ohio Birth and Autism will not be made accessible to the public due to the fact that they include individual-level data with PII. Output data are all available in tabulated form within the published manuscript. This dataset is not publicly accessible because: EPA cannot release personally identifiable information regarding living individuals, according to the Privacy Act and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This dataset contains information about human research subjects. Because there is potential to identify individual participants and disclose personal information, either alone or in combination with other datasets, individual level data are not appropriate to post for public access. Restricted access may be granted to authorized persons by contacting the party listed. It can be accessed through the following means: Input data can be obtained from Applications from owners of the data (Children's Hospital and Ohio Department of Health). The tabulated output data is found in the manuscript. Format: Input datasets on Ohio Birth and Autism will not be made accessible to the public due to the fact that they include individual-level data with PII. Output data are all available in tabulated form within the published manuscript (e.g., results of regression models, measures of central tendency, population characteristics, etc.). This dataset is associated with the following publication: Kaufman, J., M. Wright, G. Rice, N. Connolly, K. Bowers, and J. Anixt. AMBIENT OZONE AND FINE PARTICULATE MATTER EXPOSURES AND AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IN METROPOLITAN CINCINNATI, OHIO. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH. Elsevier B.V., Amsterdam, NETHERLANDS, 171: 218-227, (2019).

Background: Whilst cannabis is known to be toxic to brain function and brain development in many respects it is not known if its increasing availability is associated with the rising US autism rates, whether this contribution is sufficient to effect overall trends and if its effects persist after controlling for other major covariates.

Methods: Longitudinal epidemiological study using national autism census data from the US Department of Education Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) 1991-2011 and nationally representative drug exposure (cigarettes, alcohol, analgesic, and cocaine abuse, and cannabis use monthly, daily and in pregnancy) datasets from National Survey of Drug Use and Health and US Census (income and ethnicity) and CDC Wonder population and birth data. Geotemporospatial and causal inference analysis conducted in R.

Results: 266,950 autistic of a population of 40,119,464 eight year olds 1994-2011. At the national level after adjustment daily cannabis use was significantly related (β-estimate=4.37 (95%C.I. 4.06-4.68), P<2.2x10-16) as was cannabis exposure in the first trimester of pregnancy (β-estimate=0.12 (0.08-0.16), P=1.7x10-12). At the state level following adjustment cannabis use was significant (from β-estimate=8.41 (3.08-13.74), P=0.002); after adjustment for varying cannabis exposure by ethnicity and other covariates (from β-estimate=10.88 (5.97-15.79), P=1.4x10-5). Cannabigerol (from β-estimate=-13.77 (-19.41—8.13), P = 1.8x10-6) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (from β-estimate=1.96 (0.88-3.04), P=4x10-4) were also significant. Geospatial state-level modelling showed an exponential relationship between ASMR and both Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabigerol exposure; effect size calculations reflected this exponentiation. Exponential coefficients for the relationship between modelled ASMR and THC- and cannabigerol- exposure were 7.053 (6.39-7.71) and 185.334 (167.88-202.79; both P<2.0x10-7).

In inverse probability-weighted robust generalized linear models ethnic cannabis exposure (from β-estimate=3.64 (2.94-4.34), P=5.9x10-13) and cannabis independently (β-estimate=1.08 (0.63-1.54), P=2.9x10-5) were significant. High eValues in geospatial models indicated that uncontrolled confounding did not explain these findings. Therefore the demonstrated relationship satified the criteria of causal inference. Dichotomized legal status was geospatiotemporally linked with elevated ASMR.

Conclusions: Data show cannabis use is associated with ASMR, is powerful enough to affect overall trends, and persists after controlling for other major drug, socioeconomic, and ethnic-related covariates. Selected cannabinoids are exponentially associated with ASMR. The cannabis-autism relationship satisfies criteria of causal inference.

Introduction: This chapter presents the analysis of physician-diagnosed International Classification of Diseases (ICD version 9) disorders and diseases associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in a 16-year pediatric cohort.Materials and Methods: The sample (n = 47,180; 62% male) consisted of children in the Alberta Health Services Calgary Health Region catchment under the age of 3 years, who received any physician-assigned ICD 9 diagnosis before the age of three between April 1993 and December 31, 1994. There were 111 females and 609 males with ASD diagnosed at any time between 1993 and 2010. The results detail the 16-year odds ratio (OR) associations of ASD diagnosis within the major classes of international classification of diseases (ICD 9) stratified by age and sex in the cohort. Further, for those suffering from ASD and any other disorder or disease, the analysis presents by sex, age, and duration, the proportions of all index physician-assigned ICD diagnoses, arising significantly before and after the index ASD diagnosis.Results: The rate of treated ASD in the cohort was 1 in 65 and the 16-year population rate of ASD was 62 per 10,000. For males with an ASD over the 16 year period, the ORs were significantly greater than the value one for 15 of the 17 main ICD classes and for 10 of the main ICD classes for females. Different age strata presented a more specific account of the main ICD class OR profiles. More specifically, 28 ICD disorders significantly preceded and 95 ICD disorders significantly followed ASD for females. Thirty-eight ICD disorders significantly preceded and 234 ICD disorders significantly followed ASD for males.Conclusions: The results largely confirm past studies focusing on more constrained sets of ASD morbidity. The age-stratified ORs gauge the order of risk in time for the cohort. The proportions of specific ICD disorders arising before and after ASD may be useful in respect to informing basic ASD research and ASD clinical management. Limitations are discussed.

The prevalence rate of autism spectrum disorder among children aged eight years in Missouri was 14.2 per 1,000 children in 2010. In 2022, this rate was estimated to be 32.1 per 1,000 eight-year-olds. Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disability characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction as well as repetitive behavior, interest, or activity patterns. This statistic displays the estimated prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among children aged 8 years in select U.S. states from 2010 to 2022.

Historical Dataset of The Autism Academy Of Learning is provided by PublicSchoolReview and contain statistics on metrics:Total Students Trends Over Years (2004-2023),Total Classroom Teachers Trends Over Years (2003-2023),Distribution of Students By Grade Trends,Student-Teacher Ratio Comparison Over Years (2003-2023),Asian Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2003-2004),Hispanic Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2011-2021),Black Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2004-2023),White Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2004-2023),Two or More Races Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2013-2023),Diversity Score Comparison Over Years (2004-2023),Reading and Language Arts Proficiency Comparison Over Years (2010-2018),Math Proficiency Comparison Over Years (2010-2022),Overall School Rank Trends Over Years (2010-2018),Graduation Rate Comparison Over Years (2011-2013)

Historical Dataset of Autism Model School is provided by PublicSchoolReview and contain statistics on metrics:Total Students Trends Over Years (2002-2023),Total Classroom Teachers Trends Over Years (2003-2023),Distribution of Students By Grade Trends,Student-Teacher Ratio Comparison Over Years (2003-2023),Asian Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2006-2023),Hispanic Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2009-2023),Black Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2002-2023),White Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2002-2023),Two or More Races Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2013-2023),Diversity Score Comparison Over Years (2002-2023),Reading and Language Arts Proficiency Comparison Over Years (2010-2022),Math Proficiency Comparison Over Years (2010-2022),Science Proficiency Comparison Over Years (2021-2022),Overall School Rank Trends Over Years (2010-2022),Graduation Rate Comparison Over Years (2013-2022)

BackgroundTo explore the geographical pattern and temporal trend of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) epidemiology from 1990 to 2019, and perform a bibliometric analysis of risk factors for ASD.MethodsIn this study, ASD epidemiology was estimated with prevalence, incidence, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) of 204 countries and territories by sex, location, and sociodemographic index (SDI). Age-standardized rate (ASR) and estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) were used to quantify ASD temporal trends. Besides, the study performed a bibliometric analysis of ASD risk factors since 1990. Publications published were downloaded from the Web of Science Core Collection database, and were analyzed using CiteSpace.ResultsGlobally, there were estimated 28.3 million ASD prevalent cases (ASR, 369.4 per 100,000 populations), 603,790 incident cases (ASR, 9.3 per 100,000 populations) and 4.3 million DALYs (ASR, 56.3 per 100,000 populations) in 2019. Increases of autism spectrum disorders were noted in prevalent cases (39.3%), incidence (0.1%), and DALYs (38.7%) from 1990 to 2019. Age-standardized rates and EAPC showed stable trend worldwide over time. A total of 3,991 articles were retrieved from Web of Science, of which 3,590 were obtained for analysis after removing duplicate literatures. “Rehabilitation”, “Genetics & Heredity”, “Nanoscience & Nanotechnology”, “Biochemistry & Molecular biology”, “Psychology”, “Neurosciences”, and “Environmental Sciences” were the hotspots and frontier disciplines of ASD risk factors.ConclusionsDisease burden and risk factors of autism spectrum disorders remain global public health challenge since 1990 according to the GBD epidemiological estimates and bibliometric analysis. The findings help policy makers formulate public health policies concerning prevention targeted for risk factors, early diagnosis and life-long healthcare service of ASD. Increasing knowledge concerning the public awareness of risk factors is also warranted to address global ASD problem.

Historical Dataset of Palm Beach School For Autism is provided by PublicSchoolReview and contain statistics on metrics:Total Students Trends Over Years (2004-2023),Total Classroom Teachers Trends Over Years (2008-2023),Distribution of Students By Grade Trends,Student-Teacher Ratio Comparison Over Years (2008-2023),Asian Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2006-2023),Hispanic Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2004-2023),Black Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2004-2023),White Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2004-2023),Two or More Races Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2013-2023),Diversity Score Comparison Over Years (2004-2023),Free Lunch Eligibility Comparison Over Years (2004-2023),Reduced-Price Lunch Eligibility Comparison Over Years (2004-2023),Reading and Language Arts Proficiency Comparison Over Years (2010-2022),Math Proficiency Comparison Over Years (2010-2022),Science Proficiency Comparison Over Years (2021-2022),Overall School Rank Trends Over Years (2010-2022),Graduation Rate Comparison Over Years (2017-2022)

The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnostics market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing prevalence of autism, rising awareness, and advancements in diagnostic technologies. The market, estimated at $2 billion in 2025, is projected to expand at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10% from 2025 to 2033, reaching approximately $5.5 billion by 2033. This growth is fueled by several factors. Improved screening and diagnostic tools, including advanced genetic testing and neuroimaging techniques, are enabling earlier and more accurate diagnoses, leading to timely interventions and better outcomes. Increased government initiatives and funding for research and development in ASD diagnostics further contribute to market expansion. Moreover, growing awareness among parents and healthcare professionals is driving higher diagnostic rates. The market is segmented by diagnostic method (behavioral assessments, genetic testing, neuroimaging), age group (pediatric, adult), and geographic region. While accurate regional breakdown is unavailable, North America and Europe are currently the dominant markets due to higher awareness, better healthcare infrastructure, and extensive research activities. However, emerging economies in Asia-Pacific and Latin America are expected to demonstrate significant growth in the coming years. The presence of key players like Pfizer, Merck, Roche, SynapDx, and Curemark indicates a competitive landscape, with ongoing innovation in diagnostic techniques and service delivery models shaping market dynamics. The market, however, faces some challenges, such as high diagnostic costs, variability in diagnostic practices across regions, and limited access to advanced diagnostic tools in resource-constrained settings. Despite these challenges, the long-term outlook for the ASD diagnostics market remains positive. Continuous advancements in diagnostic technologies, coupled with rising societal awareness and increased government support, are expected to drive market expansion significantly. The focus is shifting towards earlier intervention strategies, and this trend will further stimulate demand for accurate and efficient diagnostic tools. Future growth will be particularly influenced by the development of less invasive, cost-effective diagnostic methods that can be deployed on a larger scale, making ASD diagnosis more accessible globally. The market will continue to be defined by technological innovations, strategic collaborations between diagnostic companies and healthcare providers, and a strong emphasis on improving the quality of life for individuals with ASD.

The global Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Treatment market is experiencing robust growth, projected to maintain a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 7% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key factors. Increasing awareness and diagnosis rates of ASD are leading to higher demand for treatment options. Advancements in pharmaceutical research and development, particularly in novel drug classes like antipsychotics, SSRIs/antidepressants, and stimulants tailored to specific ASD symptoms, are significantly contributing to market growth. Furthermore, the rising prevalence of ASD globally, coupled with supportive government initiatives and increased healthcare expenditure in developed and developing nations, further bolster market expansion. The market is segmented by drug class (Antipsychotic Drugs, SSRIs/Antidepressants, Stimulants, Other Drug Classes), type of ASD (Autistic Disorder, Asperger's Syndrome, Other Types), and distribution channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Drug Stores and Retail Pharmacies, Online Pharmacies). North America currently holds a significant market share due to established healthcare infrastructure, high diagnostic rates, and robust pharmaceutical research activity. However, Asia-Pacific is expected to witness substantial growth in the coming years, driven by rising awareness, increasing disposable incomes, and expanding healthcare access. Competitive dynamics within the market are shaped by a mix of established pharmaceutical giants (like Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Novartis AG) and emerging biotech companies (Q BioMed Inc, PaxMedica, Zynerba Pharmaceuticals Inc). These companies are engaged in intense research and development, focusing on innovative therapies to address unmet needs within the ASD treatment landscape. The market also faces some restraints, including high treatment costs, variable treatment response among individuals with ASD, and the need for ongoing research to better understand the complex etiology of ASD. Despite these challenges, the overall outlook remains positive, indicating substantial growth opportunities for companies engaged in ASD treatment development and distribution. The market's future trajectory will significantly depend on the success of new drug approvals, the expansion of access to treatment in underserved regions, and continued advancements in diagnostic techniques. Recent developments include: In August 2022, Bened Life released the first gut-brain medical probiotic, Neuralli. Made in the United States and utilizing the patented probiotic strain L. plantarum PS128, Neuralli is designed to promote mental health and support neurological conditions including but not limited to Parkinson's disease (PD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD)., In March 2022, STALICLA, a Swiss clinical-stage biotech company leading omics-based drug development for patients with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), reported the highly successful completion of the phase 1b trials for its lead drug candidate STP1. These clinical data clear the way for the first application of STALICLA's precision medicine discovery platform in autism spectrum disorders.. Key drivers for this market are: Increasing Burden of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Worldwide, Rising Awareness Pertaining ASD and Growing Number of Investments. Potential restraints include: Increasing Burden of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Worldwide, Rising Awareness Pertaining ASD and Growing Number of Investments. Notable trends are: Autistic Disorder Segment is Expected to Hold a Major Market Share in the Autism Spectrum Disorders Treatment Market.

The global autism treatment market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), rising awareness about early intervention therapies, and advancements in diagnostic tools and treatment options. The market is segmented by application (hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, online pharmacies, others) and by drug type (SSRIs, insomnia drugs, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, others). While precise market sizing data is not provided, considering a CAGR and value unit in the millions, we can reasonably estimate a 2025 market value in the billions. The significant presence of major pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer, Novartis, and Johnson & Johnson indicates substantial investment and ongoing research and development in this sector. Growth is further fueled by increasing government initiatives and funding for autism research and treatment, along with a growing demand for personalized and effective therapies. Geographical variations exist, with North America and Europe currently holding a substantial market share due to higher awareness and better healthcare infrastructure. However, rapidly developing economies in Asia-Pacific are poised to witness significant growth in the coming years, driven by increasing diagnosis rates and rising disposable incomes. The key restraints to market growth include the high cost of treatments, limited access to specialized therapies in many regions, and the heterogeneity of ASD, making treatment standardization challenging. Nonetheless, the market's trajectory is positive. Continued advancements in pharmacological interventions, behavioral therapies, and assistive technologies are expected to create new opportunities for market expansion. The increasing adoption of telehealth and digital health solutions for autism treatment will also contribute to market growth, offering greater accessibility and convenience. Further research focusing on identifying effective biomarkers for early diagnosis and personalized treatment approaches is crucial to unlocking the full potential of this growing market. The competitive landscape is characterized by the presence of both large pharmaceutical companies and smaller specialized players, leading to innovation and a wider range of treatment options.

BackgroundAutism is associated with high rates of genomic aberrations, including chromosomal rearrangements and de novo copy-number variations. These observations are reminiscent of cancer, a disease where genomic rearrangements also play a role. We undertook a correlative epidemiological study to explore the possibility that shared risk factors might exist for autism and specific types of cancer.Methodology/Principal FindingsTo determine if significant correlations exist between the prevalence of autism and the incidence of cancer, we obtained and analyzed state-wide data reported by age and gender throughout the United States. Autism data were obtained from the U.S. Department of Education via the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (2000–2007, reported annually by age group) and cancer incidence data were obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (1999–2005). IDEA data were further subdivided depending on the method used to diagnose autism (DSM IV or the Code of Federal Regulations, using strict or expanded criteria). Spearman rank correlations were calculated for all possible pairwise combinations of annual autism rates and the incidence of specific cancers. Following this, Bonferroni's correction was applied to significance values. Two independent methods for determining an overall combined p-value based on dependent correlations were obtained for each set of calculations. High correlations were found between autism rates and the incidence of in situ breast cancer (p≤10−10, modified inverse chi square, n = 16) using data from states that adhere strictly to the Code of Federal Regulations for diagnosing autism. By contrast, few significant correlations were observed between autism prevalence and the incidence of 23 other female and 22 male cancers.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that there may be an association between autism and specific forms of cancer.