Over-Time Estimates of Sociodemographic Disparities in Autism Identification in U.S. Elementary Schools

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Over-Time Estimates of Sociodemographic Disparities in Autism Identification in U.S. Elementary Schools
Language: English
Authors: Paul L. Morgan (ORCID 0000-0001-9347-6486), Eric Hengyu Hu (ORCID 0000-0002-2113-3940)
Source: Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice. 2026 30(6):1488-1503.
Availability: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 16
Publication Date: 2026
Sponsoring Agency: Institute of Education Sciences (ED)
Contract Number: R324A220271
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Grade 4
Intermediate Grades
Descriptors: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Elementary Schools, Elementary School Students, Student Characteristics, Disproportionate Representation, Grade 4, National Competency Tests, Race, Ethnicity, Reading Achievement, Sex, Family Income, Lunch Programs, Bilingual Students, Multilingualism, English Learners, Disability Identification
Assessment and Survey Identifiers: National Assessment of Educational Progress
DOI: 10.1177/13623613261434432
ISSN: 1362-3613
1461-7005
Abstract: Whether and to what extent sociodemographic disparities in school-based autism identification have been occurring in U.S. elementary schools is currently unclear. We investigated for disparities attributable to race, ethnicity, biological sex, family income, and language use by analyzing repeated cross-sectional data collected on very large samples of U.S. fourth graders participating in the National Assessment of Educational Progress from 2003 to 2022 (ns = 103,150-205,860). Multivariable logistic regression models accounting for potential confounds including student-level academic achievement and school-level resources repeatedly indicated that students of color, females, students from low-income families, and multilingual learners (MLs) are less likely to be identified with autism while attending U.S. elementary schools. These disparities have been largely stable over time, particularly for Black students, females, and MLs. Health and educational policies that ensure equal access to autism supports and services in U.S. elementary schools including by students from historically marginalized communities are warranted.
Abstractor: As Provided
IES Funded: Yes
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1506651
Database: ERIC
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