A recent report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discovered that nearly 9% of U.S. children were diagnosed with a developmental disability in 2021 compared to 7.5% in 2019. Other findings included the prevalence of developmental disabilities among boys compared to girls and how some populations now receive accurate diagnoses sooner than in previous years. Direct Care Innovations invites you to explore the various findings of this report and how they can help improve diagnoses and services for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)

Developmental Disabilities, Intellectual Delays & More

The 2021 CDC report included information regarding children with a wide range of disabilities and delays, such as developmental disabilities, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorders, and cerebral palsy; intellectual disabilities like Down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, or fragile X; and developmental delays such as emotional delays, speech disorders, and motor delays.

Statistical Results

There were expected and surprising results revealed in this comprehensive study. I/DD diagnoses were discovered to be more prevalent among boys than girls, with three times as many boys being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder as girls. Although there was no significant increase in an I/DD diagnosis between 2019 and 2021, reports of children having other developmental delays increased from 5% to 6% in 2021. 

The prevalence of developmental disabilities among races also revealed some startling results. In previous years, there was a higher rate of I/DD diagnoses among white children in higher socioeconomic communities than children of other races and communities. However, in this most recent report, black children had higher rates of I/DD diagnoses than white children.  

Valuable Outcomes

The outcomes discovered in this report are valuable for assessing and diagnosing children with developmental disabilities. The uptick in developmental delays between 2019 and 2021 shows that improvements are being made in accurately evaluating children with possible I/DDs. Children and families of different races and socioeconomic statuses with I/DDs are no longer being under-identified. Whether it’s earlier assessments of younger children or accurate diagnoses of underserved populations, children and their families can take advantage of services and interventions they need sooner rather than later.

Partner with DCI

Findings and reports, such as the 2021 CDC report, show that successful developments are being made in regard to intellectual and developmental disabilities in children. DCI would like to partner with you as you serve individuals with I/DDs and delays. With our business management software, we provide 24/7 customer service, EVV tracking, billing software, and real-time alerts. Request a sales demo today by calling DCI at 480-295-3307.

Source: Murez, Cara. “Nearly 1 in 10 U.S. Children Has a Developmental Disability: CDC.” Web article. HealthDay. U.S. News & World Report, 13 Jul. 2023. Web. 09 Sep. 2023.