The Increase in Autism and ADHD Diagnoses: What’s Driving the Rise?

Updated on February 17, 2026

Diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have reached record highs – raising important questions about what’s behind the trend. These rising diagnosis rates carry major implications not only for individuals and families, but also for schools, healthcare systems, and technology users, including those relying on solutions like AngelSense. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what the latest data reveals, explore the possible reasons for the increase, and offer practical takeaways for families, caregivers, and professionals navigating this rapidly changing landscape.

What the Numbers Say: Diagnoses on the Rise 

Before we dive in, here are some helpful definitions: 

According to the CDC, “prevalence” means the number of people in a population that have a condition relative to all the people in the population, and is usually shown as a percentage.

In comparison, a diagnosis (or incidence) rate refers to the number of new cases of a physical or mental condition that are detected within a certain period of time. In other words, prevalence equals existing cases plus newly diagnosed cases. 

With this in mind, here are some recent figures about prevalence and diagnosis rates of ASD and ADHD:

• A 2025 study by the CDC shows that the prevalence of ASD among eight-year-olds was 3.2% across populations. 


• This shows a dramatic increase from the year 2000, when the rate was .67%, and even from 2020, when the rate was 2.8%. These figures show a higher diagnosis rate of 2.5% over 25 years. 

Additional statistics to note:

• Boys are diagnosed with ASD at rates more than three times higher than girls.


• In 2016, the highest rate of diagnosed ASD was in white, relatively wealthy communities; in 2022, this situation was reversed (i.e. autism prevalence trends were highest in non-white communities).


• The rate of autism and ADHD diagnosis co-occurrence is over 14%. 

ADHD has also gone up. In 2024, the Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology reported that 11.4% of children in the US had been diagnosed with this condition (in a 2022 survey). This represents an increase of one million children compared to 2016. 

Why Are Autism and ADHD Diagnoses Increasing? 

Over the past few decades, reported rates of ASD and ADHD have risen sharply across the globe. This surge has sparked debate about what’s truly behind the trend. Experts attribute the rise to a mix of factors—better  awareness, broader diagnostic criteria, and evolving  social and environmental influences—that together help explain why more individuals are being identified today than in the past.

Societal Change

Today, we are seeing greater knowledge, awareness, and acceptance of ASD and ADHD than ever before. The Autism CARES Act was only recently just enacted in 2024; prior to that, autism did not receive its own US government legislation. Together with this higher profile are expanded facilities for screening and a larger number of trained professionals. As awareness grows, parents are seeking evaluations earlier and more often than in previous generations.  And because symptoms often present differently in girls, compared to the stereotypical signs noticed more often in boys, caregivers of girls are learning to recognize and act upon these signs now more than in the past.

Updated Diagnosis Parameters

The ways in which ASD and ADHD are medically recognized have changed considerably. Conditions such as Asperger’s and Kanner’s Syndrome have been recategorized as falling under the autism spectrum. Behavior that was once attributed to other issues is now considered to indicate ASD/ADHD. A rather sad example of this was the definition of ADHD as a “defect of moral control”. Fortunately, neurodiversity diagnosis trends now allow professionals to see it as a treatable condition. 

Better Services

The increase in autism diagnoses in minority communities does not indicate an epidemic. Instead, it illustrates greater investment and resources for diagnostic and treatment services in previously-neglected areas. Historically, many minorities did not have an equal chance to access medical facilities. But as this situation improves, more people can now get the proper diagnosis and support. 

All this being said, some people do believe that ASD/ADHD is actually on the rise. Factors like prenatal exposure, women having children at older ages, pollution, and other neuro-developmental stressors are being studied. A well-known (and controversial) proponent of this theory is Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who believes that environmental factors are to blame for rising rates of ASD.  

What it Means for Individuals and Families 

The uptick in ASD and ADHD prevalence has itstrends with it both benefits and challenges. Early diagnosis leads to earlier interventions, which often improve outcomes. According to this article, the “Early Start Denver Model” of Applied Behavior Analysis can increase IQ in children by an average of 18 points (compared to four points for conventional therapy). 

For autistic individuals and people with ADHD, increased recognition can promote a stronger community, identity, and understanding. For many, getting a diagnosis is the first step in finally moving towards an optimal level of self-actualization. 

Following a diagnosis, families often face a new set of challenges. This can include finding the right support, accommodations, and services for education and healthcare. While society has progressed in leaps and bounds when it comes to helping those with ASD/ADHD, caregivers must still deal with: 

• Advocating for appropriate support


• Understanding bureaucracies and procedures 


• Resource constraints


• Ensuring quality of care


• Avoiding mis-labelling or stigma

Considering the potential risks when an autistic person is outside on their own (such as wandering, elopement, and emotional distress, to name a few) caregivers also need to prepare with supportive technologies like AngelSense, which are vital for safety. 

But it’s also important to be aware of overdiagnosis. Although most would agree that people with ASD and ADHD are better off today than at any other time in history, some are worried that more children and adults are defined as having one of these conditions than is justified. As new definitions continually evolve, it is likely that the rate of mistaken diagnoses will decrease. 

What Families & Caregivers Can Do in Light of Rising Diagnoses 

There are many practical steps that individuals, family members, and caregivers can take both before and after receiving a diagnosis.

Before

Living with autism is both a learning process and a journey. This begins with staying informed about typical developmental/behavioral milestones for your children. If you suspect that your young one is behind the curve, then you should seek an immediate professional evaluation. This might be with a pediatrician, developmental specialist, or neuropsychologist. 

Come prepared for every meeting with a professional. Get to know the details of screenings and checklists so that you can be sure that each clinic performs all of the important examinations. Also ask about comorbidities – ASD and ADHD often co-occur.

After

There are a lot of details when it comes to the red tape and expense of caring for a child with ASD or ADHD. It’s essential to check your health insurance coverage and local legislation regarding financial benefits. There’s a good chance that your child will need therapy, so connecting with other parents who can provide recommendations is also a good move. 

At school, your child can benefit from Individualized Education Programs and 504 plans. But this is just the start. You (or your independent child) need to advocate in schools for programs that match the individual’s specific needs, not just the diagnosis label. Try to get to know the staff and teachers at your child’s school, so they can also help advocate.  

But your child will still need special attention even when out of school. Changing certain things at home will allow you and your kids to properly relax. For example, people with ASD are often sensitive to noise, light, and smells, and limiting the effect of these sensory inputs at home is important. 

Finally, there is the question of travel. People with ASD in particular are prone to wandering, which is extremely dangerous. For peace of mind, effective monitoring, and in a worst-case scenario, assistive technologies like AngelSense support maximum safety and independence. 

Looking Ahead: What the Trend Suggests for Systems and Technology 

Nobody knows if these increasing rates of diagnosis for autism and ADHD will continue. But the current wave of awareness means even more autism and ADHD support for families in the form of education, healthcare, and tech-assistive ecosystems. Nevertheless, parents of kids with ASD/ADHD must advocate for more trained staff, accommodations, and inclusive practices, as well as screening, diagnostics, and long-term support into adulthood. 

Caretakers are smart to keep an eye on developments in technology for monitoring and communication. Growing demand means that more devices will be created for the market; but these opportunities come with the responsibility to ensure accessibility and sensitivity to neuro-diverse users. Parents should check that, despite all kinds of bells and whistles, any assistive device that they get should be simple and practical while delivering a range of tools for both everyday and emergency use. And remember that technology should always augment, and not replace, personalized human support. 

Turning Diagnosis into Opportunity 

The rise in autism and ADHD diagnoses reflects not just a statistical shift, but a transformation in how society understands neurodiversity. Greater awareness, improved screening, and expanded definitions have allowed more individuals to access the help they’ve long needed—yet this progress also highlights the ongoing need for quality, timely, and personalized care. 

Rather than viewing diagnosis as a label, it should be seen as a stepping-stone toward understanding, support, and empowerment. Families, educators, and professionals can and should use this moment to advocate for stronger systems, better resources, and more inclusive communities. With the right tools—such as assistive technologies like AngelSense—we can ensure that growing awareness leads not only to higher numbers, but to better lives and brighter futures for those with ASD and ADHD.

Get peace of mind from AngelSense, the groundbreaking AI-based assistive technology designed to enhance safety and peace of mind for individuals with special needs and their families. Our solution ensures you stay connected with your loved ones, empowering a higher level of independence while maintaining safety. Learn more about how AngelSense can make a difference for your family.