The prevalence of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been on the rise consistently over the last 20 years.

In 2000, the prevalence rate was one in 150 children (0.67%). That number dropped all the way to one in 44 (2.27%) in 2018, and one in 36 (2.78%) in both 2020 and 2023. This data reflects children of all ages in all states.

There are many reasons that have been proposed for this increase, including an evolving diagnostic criteria and changes in the reporting practices, as well as parental concerns such as advanced age, exposure to pollutions, and diabetes, obesity and other immune system disorders.

Whatever the reason, there’s no doubt that the prevalence of autism in children is on the rise, and that necessitates additional treatment plans.

Below is some more information about ABA therapy in North Carolina as well as ASD in general.

What is the Prevalence of ASD in North Carolina?

The Autism and Development Disabilities Monitoring Network — a division of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — began to collect data on children of different age groups from across the country.

In the most recent version of the study, which collected data in 2020, the network found that the rate of prevalence of ASD in children was slightly higher in North Carolina than the national average.

The study revealed that North Carolina has a prevalence rate of one in 39 8-year-old children (2.5%), compared to the national average of one in 54 children (1.85%). In fact, North Carolina has the second-highest rate of ASD among 8-year-olds in the country.

What Ways Are Some of the Leading Autism Treatments in North Carolina?

Among all autism treatments, the best is known as applied behavioral analysis, or ABA therapy. Through this treatment, patients work one-on-one with a trained and certified therapist who helps them improve their communication skills and build other skills that help them succeed in life.

Relying on science-based data, ABA therapists cater the treatment to the individual patient, which is essential since autism looks different in every child. This treatment plan is based on the child’s current skills and where they need the most support.

Additionally, the system of rewarding children for exhibiting desired behaviors is integrated with family members and caregivers so that the skills can be reinforced in the home and other settings. Because of this well-rounded approach — and many other reasons — ABA therapy is the most trusted form of treatment for children with ASD.

What Requirements Must an ABA Therapist Meet in North Carolina?

North Carolina specifically includes applied behavioral analysis within the scope of psychology practice, making it one of a handful of states that does so. As such, all ABA practitioners must abide by certain requirements before they’re able to become an ABA therapist in the state.

There are two ways that this can be done. The most common way is to obtain a license to practice psychology through the North Carolina Psychology Board. Many employers in the state look for ABA therapists who have either a BCBA or BCBA-D certification.

In lieu of this, the other option to become an ABA therapist is to practice under the direct supervision of a licensed psychological associated or psychologist. Per NC Psychology Board Ancillary Services rules, for this relationship to be approved, the license holder must …

• Have direct supervision
• Have face-to-face sessions with clients
• Provide training to the unlicensed behavior analyst
• Assume full ethical and professional responsibility for the effects and quality of services rendered
• Ensure a level of quality of services provided and responsibilities provided are the same as what they would provide themselves

The requirements to practice as an ABA therapist varies by state, so make sure to check out your state’s requirements if you’re not in North Carolina.

In-Home ABA Therapy in North Carolina

One of the most popular ways to receive this treatment is with in-home ABA therapy in North Carolina. In this scenario, patients receive the treatment where they are most comfortable — the comfort of their own home.

In addition to increasing the effectiveness of the treatment, having it performed in this environment also makes it much easier on parents and guardians, as they don’t have to drive their children to appointments in a clinical setting.

From the ABA therapists’ standpoint, in-home ABA therapy also makes it easier to integrate family members and guardians into the treatment, which is essential to its long-term success.

Blue Gems ABA Provides the Best ABA Therapy in North Carolina

Blue Gems ABA is one of the most trusted and experienced ABA therapy providers in North Carolina. Whether your child has been diagnosed with autism already, or you’re seeking to have them assessed for autism, our experienced professionals are here for you.

We have three convenient locations in Winston-Salem, Charlotte and Raleigh — three of the biggest metro regions in North Carolina. Our mission is to help children grow and thrive by improving communication, social and adaptive skills.

Trust us to live up to this mission and help your child grow.

For more information, please contact Blue Gems ABA today.