Staatsburg, New York…The executive leadership team at Anderson Center for Autism today responded to the news from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that autism prevalence rates are now 1 in 31, according to 2022 data.
Autism, a neurodevelopmental disorder, presents with a wide range of communication, sensory processing, behavioral, and socialization differences. The newly-announced incidence rate is up from the CDC’s previous report, which was 1 in 36, based on 2020 research.
Said Patrick Paul, CEO/Executive Director of Anderson Center for Autism, “While there are no clear answers on why incidence rates are on the rise, one thing is certain: agencies like Anderson Center for Autism provide critically important services for this population, and we remain deeply committed to doing all we can to meet the growing demands.”
Established over 100 years ago in 1924, Anderson provides educational, vocational, clinical, and residential services for people with autism at its Staatsburg, NY campus. The nonprofit organization also runs Anderson Early Learning Academy (AELA) with three locations: Latham, NY, Pine Plains, NY, and Mount Marion, NY, Anderson Center Clinic (ACC) in Latham, NY, LifeLong Learning℠ day habilitation centers, and adult residences throughout the Hudson Valley region.
The agency also has a number of affiliates working in other capacities to further its mission. Anderson Center International (ACI) trains scholars from all over the world, who work with Anderson experts to acquire the knowledge needed to establish programs upon return to their home countries. Anderson Center Consulting and Training (ACCT) provides training for schools, universities, families/caregivers, businesses, organizations, and entire communities who seek to join a roster of over 150 entities who have gained designation through ACCT as “Autism Supportive.” And ECHO Autism Anderson is a case-based learning program that offers educators from all over the world an opportunity to connect and learn from experts in the field in order to better support students with autism and other neurodiversities in their schools.
Dr. Tina Marie Covington, Chief Operating Officer at Anderson Center for Autism, said: “We believe we have a responsibility to take our 100-plus years of experience and use it to help empower colleagues – and the general public – with tools to optimize the quality of life for those individuals with autism in their own circles. We’ve become a go-to resource for agencies large and small, schools and colleges, and companies that range from small-town banks to a major transportation hub like Newark Liberty International Airport. With incidence rates at 1 in 31, we must all work together to better understand what helps autistic and neurodivergent people thrive, and to do everything possible to cultivate a collective spirit of acceptance in society.”
Covington added that there is no known cause of autism.
“What we do know is that our evidence-based practices, rooted in the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis, lead to the best possible outcomes for autistic and neurodivergent individuals. We know that offering a continuum of care across the lifespan is also key to well-being and success. We know that parents, caregivers, and siblings need supportive communities too. And we know that the adage is indeed true, that ‘if you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.’ Each individual has unique characteristics and strengths, and we must customize programs for each person to ensure that we are maximizing potential.”
For more information, visit andersoncenterforautism.org.
About Anderson Center for Autism
Our mission at Anderson Center for Autism is to optimize the quality of life for individuals with autism.
About Anderson Foundation for Autism
Through grantmaking, fundraising, and marketing initiatives, Anderson Foundation for Autism helps support, sustain, and expand upon Anderson Center for Autism’s efforts to optimize the quality of life for individuals with autism.