Estimated Prevalence of Children With Diagnosed Developmental Disabilities in the United States, 2014-2016

Abstract

Developmental disabilities are a set of heterogeneous disorders characterized by difficulties in one or more domains, including but not limited to, learning, behavior, and self-care. This report provides the latest prevalence estimates for diagnosed autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and other developmental delay among children aged 3–17 years from the 2014–2016 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). Estimates are also presented for any developmental disability, defined as having had one or more of these three diagnoses. Prevalence estimates are based on parent or guardian report of ever receiving a diagnosis of each developmental disability from a doctor or other health care professional.