Release date April 15, 2025

The Minnesota Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (MN-ADDM) project is part of a national net-work tracking autism and developmental disabili¬ty trends across U.S. communities. This latest news message shares key data on 8-year-old children with autism, based on clinical and educational records from parts of Anoka, Hennepin, and Ramsey counties in study year 2022.

MN Prevalence of autism in 8-year-old children

MN-ADDM researchers found 1 in 28 (3.6%) 8-year-old children were identified with autism. The overall ADDM Network prevalence of 8-year-old children identified with autism was 1 in 31 (3.4%) in the U.S. communities where the CDC tracked autism in study year 2022.

Why is this data important?

Accurate data on autism helps us understand who is being diagnosed, when, and where. By tracking prevalence and characteristics, MN-ADDM provides insights that guide policymakers, researchers, educators, service providers, and families. This data leads to smarter policies, earlier interventions, and stronger, more equitable support for children with autism and their families. When we understand the numbers, we can meet the needs—more fairly, more fully, and more effectively.

Intellectual disability

Among children with autism and IQ data, 37% in Minnesota also had intellectual disability.

Males to females

In Minnesota, males were 3.1 more likely to be identified with autism than females.

Median age of identification

Age 4 years, 7 months was the median age when children received their first clinical di¬agnosis of autism in Minnesota. This is later than the overall ADDM Network median age of 3 years, 11 months.