The Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network

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Laredo ADDM Site

The Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network is a program funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) since 2000. Its main objective is to collaborate with ADDM-funded sites to collect data that helps better understand the number and characteristics of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities (DDs) across communities throughout the United States.

Autism Service Access Barriers Report (2026)

This report put together by the Laredo Public Health Department’s Autism Surveillance Division provides an overview on our program, local data that has been published by the CDC, the estimated prevalence of Autism in Webb county using the CDC’s national prevalence estimate, and barriers to autism services. We also look into local Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy providers and display the benefits of this therapy. In addition to help highlight the need of ABA therapy services within our community we also included preliminary 2026 Autism Needs Survey results that focus on ABA therapy and barriers. Finally, we explore the benefits of having a public health funded ABA here at Laredo Public Health, and information regarding workforce development to obtain certifications in ABA related programs/professions.

About ADDM

The City of Laredo ADDM site is one of 5 new sites added to the ADDM Network, for a total of 16 sites across the United States. Our team with the Laredo Public Health Department is excited to contribute by measuring the prevalence of ASD and other developmental disabilities among 4-, 8-, and 16-year-old children in South Texas. The purpose is to:

Determine the prevalence of ASD and other DDs.
Provide information on early ASD identification, including age of diagnosis/evaluations and characteristics of children with ASD.
Educate and conduct outreach to increase awareness and support in our community.

With this information, efforts can be made to develop policies and programs, enhance infrastructure for diagnosis and detection, treatment, and linking to services. Data from our local site can inform providers, educators, policymakers, and residents; rally support; and improve health equity for children and families with ASD in our community.

For more information: Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network | CDC

ADDM Network Sites (2022 & 2024)

Source: CDC ADDM Network, Surveillance Years 2022 & 2024

Autism Data (2022)

2025 Community Report on Autism

English Report (PDF) Spanish Report (PDF)

ASD prevalence among 8-year-old children was 1 in 31 in 2022, though prevalence varied widely across the ADDM Network’s 16 communities.

The range spanned from 1 in 103 in Texas (Laredo) to 1 in 19 in California. Variation may reflect differences in diagnostic practices and availability of services for early detection and evaluation.

Laredo-ADDM 2022 local figures: 1 in 103 (1.0%) among 8-year-olds and 1 in 70 (1.4%) among 4-year-olds

Local prevalence graphics for Laredo-ADDM (2022).

ADDM Network Autism Prevalence Reports

The CDC’s ADDM Network shares reports on autism prevalence in the MMWR Surveillance Summaries.

2020

On average, 2.8% (one in every 36) eight-year-olds in the 11 ADDM Network sites was classified as having an ASD.

8-Year-Old Prevalence Report • 4-Year-Old Prevalence Report • Community Report

2018

On average, 2.3% (one in every 44) eight-year-olds in the 11 ADDM Network sites was classified as having an ASD.

8-Year-Old Prevalence Report • 4-Year-Old Prevalence Report • Community Report

2016

On average, 1.85% (one in every 54) eight-year-olds in the 11 ADDM Network sites was classified as having an ASD.

Prevalence Report • Community Report

2014

On average, 1.7% (one in every 59) eight-year-olds in the 11 ADDM Network sites was classified as having an ASD.

Prevalence Report • Community Report

2012

On average, 1.5% (one in every 68) eight-year-olds in the 11 ADDM Network sites was classified as having an ASD.

Prevalence Report • Community Report

2010

On average, 1.5% (one in every 68) eight-year-olds in the 11 ADDM Network sites was classified as having an ASD.

Prevalence Report • Community Report

2008

On average, 1.1% (one in every 88) eight-year-olds in the 14 ADDM Network sites was classified as having an ASD.

Prevalence Report • Community Report

2006

On average, 1.0% (one in every 110) eight-year-olds in the 11 ADDM Network sites was classified as having an ASD.

Prevalence Report • Community Report

2002

On average, 0.7% (one in every 150) eight-year-olds in the 14 ADDM Network sites was classified as having an ASD.

Prevalence Report

Family Supports and Community Resources

Autism Speaks

Main Page
Resource Guide
Autism Response Team (ART)

Autism Society of Texas

Main Page

Texas Health and Human Services

Early Childhood Intervention Services
Children’s Autism Program
Texas Autism Research & Resources

Serving Children and Adults in Need

Main Page

Navigate Life Texas

Resources & Support for families raising children with disabilities

Blue Ribbon Committee for People with Disabilities

Open to all community members to advocate for people with disabilities by promoting awareness, education, and securing resources for physiological, psychological, and social well-being. The Committee also provides guidance and serves as a consultant to City of Laredo officials on issues affecting people with disabilities.

Meeting cadence

Monthly on the third Wednesday

Location

Administration Building, 2nd Floor
Laredo Public Health Department
2600 Cedar Ave, Laredo, TX

Contact

(956) 795-4900

*Dates subject to change. Please call for the latest schedule.*

State Resources

Autism Diagnostic and Screening Services

Christus Health – San Antonio

Main Page

CHRISTUS Health offers comprehensive autism evaluations for children and adolescents who need an initial diagnosis or diagnostic confirmation. Board-certified specialists conduct thorough assessments of social skills, communication, behavior, emotional functioning, cognition, sensory responses, and adaptive abilities to determine the presence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

General Resources

Find Help

Main Page

Discover free or low-cost programs and services that provide essentials such as food, housing, medical care, financial aid, and other forms of community support.

Navigate Life Texas

Texas Medicaid Waiver Program

Offers helpful information for families about Texas Medicaid waiver programs, including how the waivers function, steps to get on the interest list, details about the different types available, and practical tips for navigating the process.

National Resources

	Learn the Signs. Act Early – CDC Download CDC’s Milestone Tracker app in English or Spanish to complete a milestone checklist for your child. Share a summary with your child’s doctor, get tips for development, and find out what to do if you have a concern.
	Autism Society of Texas A national organization with local affiliates that facilitates the connection between individuals and autism-related resources through community programs, education, and advocacy.
	Autism Navigator An online platform offering interactive tools and courses that use real-world video examples to translate autism research into practical knowledge. it features webinars, training modules, and video resources.
	Organization for Autism Research (OAR) Delivers free, evidence-based materials and guidance tailored for families, teachers, self-advocates, and researchers to promote understanding and effective autism support.

Collaborate with Us!

Partnership Opportunities

Laredo TX-ADDM collaborates with educational and health institutions across Texas to better understand the prevalence of autism. Our key partners include:

School districts
Early education centers
Hospitals and clinics
State partners and agencies

Together, we strive to strengthen early identification, improve access to services, and expand community support for families.

Contact Information

2026 General Election Information

Laredo, TX

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The Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network

Laredo ADDM Site

Autism Service Access Barriers Report (2026)

ADDM Network Sites (2022 & 2024)

2025 Community Report on Autism

Blue Ribbon Committee for People with Disabilities

Autism Diagnostic and Screening Services

General Resources

Partnership Opportunities