Autism spectrum disorder among US children (2002-2010): Socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic disparities

Maureen S. Durkin, Matthew J. Maenner, Jon Baio, Deborah Christensen, Julie Daniels, Robert Fitzgerald, Pamela Imm, Li Ching Lee, Laura A. Schieve, Kim Van Naarden Braun, Martha S. Wingate, Marshalyn Yeargin-Allsopp

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

79 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives. To describe the association between indicators of socioeconomic status (SES) and the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the United States during the period 2002 to 2010, when overall ASD prevalence among children more than doubled, and to determine whether SES disparities account for ongoing racial and ethnic disparities in ASD prevalence. Methods. We computed ASD prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from population-based surveillance, census, and survey data. We defined SES categories by using area-level education, income, and poverty indicators.Weascertained ASD in 13 396 of 1 308 641 8-year-old children under surveillance. Results. The prevalence of ASD increased with increasing SES during each surveillance year amongWhite, Black, and Hispanic children.The prevalence difference between highand low-SES groups was relatively constant over time (3.9/1000 [95% CI = 3.3, 4.5] in 2002 and 4.1/1000 [95% CI = 3.6, 4.6] in the period 2006-2010). Significant racial/ethnic differences in ASD prevalence remained after stratification by SES. Conclusions. A positive SES gradient in ASD prevalence according to US surveillance data prevailed between 2002 and 2010, and racial and ethnic disparities in prevalence persisted during this time among low-SES children.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1818-1826
Number of pages9
JournalAmerican journal of public health
Volume107
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2017

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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