April was the annual celebration of Autism Awareness Month, in which we acknowledge and honor the contributions of people on the autism spectrum, their families, and the autism community in our nation and in the world.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported an increase in the prevalence of autism from 1 in 44 children to 1 in 36 children, including an increased diagnosis in underserved and minority communities.

At LACOE, we continue to recognize the need for early identification of children with autism in our communities across Los Angeles County, so that we can provide equitable access to learning, services, and to help make connections with community resources that will allow children with autism to reach their greatest learning potential.

Sources:

https://iacc.hhs.gov/meetings/autism-awareness-month/2023/

https://www.autismspeaks.org/news/letter-autism-speaks-ceo-world-autism-month