PALO ALTO, Calif., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has brought to light significant discrepancies in the diagnosis rates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across different regions of the United States. According to the latest findings, autism now affects approximately 1 in every 31 children in the U.S., prompting Cognoa, a pioneering company in pediatric behavioral health, to urge for broader insurance coverage for evidence-based diagnostic tools. This appeal comes in the wake of alarming data showing that diagnosis rates vary widely, from 1 in 19 children in California to as low as 1 in 103 in Texas.

These stark regional differences indicate a troubling inconsistency in access to evaluation services, underscoring the pressing need for standardized and easily accessible diagnostic methods across all communities. Dr. Sharief Taraman, a pediatric neurologist and the CEO of Cognoa, remarked on these findings, stating, "These new findings confirm what many healthcare providers and families have experienced firsthand there is an urgent need for equitable access to early, objective autism diagnosis." He emphasized the importance of timely support, noting that research consistently shows better developmental outcomes for children who receive early intervention.

One of the critical issues highlighted by the CDC report is the extensive delays in the current diagnostic pathway. Families often face a grueling wait of several months, or even years, to get an autism evaluation from specialists. Clinical data suggests that the average duration from the initial concern about a childs development to an official diagnosis spans around three years. This gap represents a crucial developmental window where evidence-based interventions can significantly influence a childs trajectory.

Cognoa has developed Canvas Dx, the first-ever FDA-authorized diagnostic aid designed for primary care clinicians to conduct autism evaluations for children aged 18 months to 6 years. This innovative technology has the potential to drastically reduce the waiting period for diagnosis from months to days, enabling healthcare providers to make timely clinical decisions and facilitating quicker access to necessary support services for families.

In light of these findings, Cognoa is advocating for a collaborative approach involving various stakeholders to enhance access to timely autism diagnosis. For healthcare providers, the recommendation is to consider incorporating objective diagnostic aids like Canvas Dx to supplement their evaluations of children exhibiting developmental concerns. They are also encouraged to discuss available diagnostic options with families to ensure they are informed about the best paths forward.

Health insurers are urged to review their coverage policies concerning FDA-authorized diagnostic tools for autism. Aligning these policies with clinical best practices can have significant downstream cost savings and improve outcomes associated with earlier intervention and support. Families are encouraged to promptly discuss any developmental concerns with their healthcare providers and inquire about technology-enabled diagnostic approaches that might streamline the evaluation process.

Furthermore, policymakers are called upon to support initiatives that expand access to timely autism identification, particularly in underserved communities. The potential impact of Autism CARES Act funds in alleviating diagnostic bottlenecks in the healthcare system cannot be overstated.

Dr. Taraman concluded by emphasizing the crucial role of early identification and appropriate support in significantly improving developmental outcomes for children on the autism spectrum. He noted, "Several forward-thinking insurers and Medicaid programs have already recognized the value of covering tools like Canvas Dx, and we encourage others to join them in making early, accurate diagnosis accessible to all families."

About Cognoa: Cognoa is committed to transforming pediatric behavioral health through innovative, AI-powered solutions. Their flagship product, Canvas Dx, stands as the first FDA-authorized diagnostic aid that empowers primary care clinicians to conduct earlier, objective evaluations for autism in young children.

Contact: Emily Delong
info@cognoa.com
+1 650-206-9273
SOURCE Cognoa