This section addresses section (6) of 399DD: "Information on the average time between initial screening and then diagnosis or rule out for individuals with ASD or other developmental disabilities, as well as information on the average time between diagnosis and evidence-based intervention for individuals with ASD or other developmental disabilities." Information on the average time between screening, diagnosis, and intervention for individuals with ASD is provided by the CDC.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

As noted above, someone must be concerned about a child's development before an ASD evaluation can be conducted. In the 2006 ADDM Network report, there was documentation of concerns about development for 70-95 percent of the children identified with ASD; however, the median age of ASD diagnosis was 4 years, 6 months, indicating a significant delay between evidence of concerns and diagnosis.⁴⁴ Although the ADDM Network does not currently collect data on developmental screening, the establishment of the Early ADDM Network in 2010 will further enhance our understanding of the early developmental concerns and a child's path to diagnosis. In an effort to address delay in diagnosis of ASD and other developmental disabilities and to promote early intervention, CDC's "Learn the Signs. Act Early." program continues to work to improve early identification of ASD and other developmental disabilities, and to enhance communication and coordination among state and local systems providing services to children with developmental delays.