The U.S. Centers for Disease Control has been tracking autism rates among 8-year-old children in the United States for almost two decades. But it recently announced ifunding to follow up with some of those children when they reach age 16, to get a better idea of what happens with symptoms, health, and services during adolescence.

According to the CDC, "Information to be collected on the 16-year-old teens includes data on ASD behavioral symptoms, co-occurring conditions, limitations in activities, and educational service delivery (including transition planning). These data will inform public health strategies to improve identification of and services for children with ASD."