As shown above, the latest data (January 2023) from California’s Department of Developmental Services (DDS) indicates that DDS Autism cases have jumped to nearly 160,000 (159,861) cases, representing nearly 50% (47.75%) of the DDS caseload.
The Autism caseload in DDS has increased nearly 50-fold since 1989, when cases numbered 3,262.
Source: California Department of Developmental Services, pursuant to Public Records Act request