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A new CDC-led study finds that developmental disabilities in US children aged 3–17 jumped from 16.7% to 20.5% between 2019 and 2024. ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities all saw significant increases. The findings raise urgent questions about whether current services can keep up with growing demand.
A new study published in Pediatrics reveals a striking rise in developmental disabilities among US children. Analyzing data from nearly 40,000 children aged 3–17, CDC researchers found that the overall prevalence climbed from 16.73% in 2019–2020 to 20.45% in 2023–2024 — meaning roughly 1 in 5 American kids now has a parent-reported developmental disability.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) saw the sharpest relative jump, rising 42.4% over the study period. The most dramatic increases were among children aged 3–5 (up 120.5%), those in nonmetropolitan areas (up 85.8%), and girls (up 58.3%). ADHD prevalence also climbed 26.1%, with the biggest gains among higher-income families and non-Hispanic White children.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: With 1 in 5 children now affected, the findings underscore a growing strain on educational, therapeutic, and healthcare systems — and highlight the urgent need to ensure services are accessible, especially for underserved and rural communities.
