51 Autism Statistics & Facts: How Common Is Autism?

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a spectrum disorder, which means that the symptoms and severity of autism can vary greatly from person to person.

Key Autism Statistics

In this article, we will explore the latest autism statistics to gain a better understanding of how common autism is and how it affects individuals and families.

According to the CDC, around 1 in 36 children in the U.S. has been diagnosed with autism as of 2023.
Approximately 75 million people have autism spectrum disorder, that's 1% of the world’s population.
Autism prevalence has increased 178% since 2000.
1 in 100 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder globally, as of 2021.
The rate of autism in the U.S. went from 1 in 150 in 2000 to 1 in 100 in 2022.
The country with the highest rate of diagnosed autism in the world is Qatar, and the country with the lowest autism rate is France.
Around 4 times as many boys have autism as girls.

How Common Is Autism?

1 in 36 children in the U.S. have autism. Autism is a prevalent condition, with millions of people worldwide affected by it.

autism prevalence has increased 178% since 2000

Despite its prevalence, autism is still widely misunderstood and stigmatized. Research shows that autism affects individuals from all backgrounds and cultures.

However, due to various factors such as limited access to healthcare and cultural stigma surrounding mental health, many cases of autism go undiagnosed and untreated in certain populations. It is crucial to increase awareness about autism and provide resources to ensure that everyone who needs support can receive it regardless of their background or circumstances.

Autism Prevalence By Gender

Autism affects more males than females across all age groups and countries. According to a study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, the male-to-female ratio is approximately 3:1 in children and adults with autism.

However, recent research suggests that this ratio may be an underestimate, as autism in females often goes undiagnosed due to differences in presentation and social expectations. It is important to recognize that autism affects individuals of all genders and to provide appropriate support and resources for everyone who needs it.

Autism Prevalence By Race

Autism prevalence varies among different racial groups. According to a study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, autism is more common in white children than in Black or Hispanic children.

Race/Ethnicity	Autism Prevalence In 8-Year-Olds (2018)	Percent
White	21.2 per 1,000	2.1%
Black	22.3 per 1,000	2.2%
Asian/Pacific Islander	22.2 per 1,000	2.2%
Hispanic	22.5 per 1,000	2.3%
Overall	23.0 per 1,000	2.3%

However, this may be due to disparities in access to healthcare and diagnosis rates rather than actual differences in prevalence.

In fact, research suggests that autism is often underdiagnosed and undertreated in minority populations.

This can lead to missed opportunities for early intervention and support, which can have long-term impacts on an individual's development and quality of life. It is important to address these disparities and ensure that everyone who needs support for autism can receive it regardless of their race or ethnicity.

Autism Prevalence By Age

Autism prevalence varies by age, with the highest rates of diagnosis occurring in early childhood. According to the CDC, the average age of diagnosis for autism is around 4 years old. However, autism can be diagnosed as early as 18 months old.

Studies have shown that early intervention and support can greatly improve outcomes for individuals with autism. Therefore, it is crucial to increase awareness about the signs and symptoms of autism and provide resources for early screening and diagnosis.

Autism prevalence also remains high throughout adolescence and adulthood. It is important to recognize that individuals with autism continue to require support and resources throughout their lifespan to achieve their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.

Autism Prevalence By Country

Autism is a global issue. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in 160 children worldwide has an autism spectrum disorder.
In the United Kingdom, autism affects 1 in 100 people.
Autism is more common in males than females in the UK, with a ratio of 4:1.
In Australia, autism affects 1 in 70 people.
Autism is more common in boys than girls in Australia, with a ratio of 3:1.
In Canada, autism affects 1 in 66 children.
In Canada, boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls.
In India, the prevalence of autism is estimated to be around 1 in 500 children.
In Japan, the prevalence of autism is estimated to be around 1 in 160 children.
In South Korea, the prevalence of autism is estimated to be around 1 in 38 children.
In China, the prevalence of autism is estimated to be around 1 in 100 children.

Country	Prevalence per 10,000 Children
Qatar	151.20
United Arab Emirates	112.40
Oman	107.20
Bahrain	103.30
Saudi Arabia	100.70
Kuwait	97.70
Jordan	92.10
Syria	91.90
Afghanistan	91.20
Palestine	91
Sweden	90.80
Libya	90.60
Yemen	90.40
Iran	90.30
Sudan	90.10
Mexico	89.90
Lebanon	89.80
Iraq	89.40
Algeria	89.40
Egypt	89.40
India	88.50
Bhutan	88.40
Morocco	88.40
Australia	88.20
Honduras	88
Tunisia	87.90
Turkey	87.80
Costa Rica	87.70
Nicaragua	87.50
Panama	87.40
Venezuela	87
Pakistan	86.70
Guatemala	86.50
Kenya	86.50
Canada	86.40
Belize	85.90
Colombia	85.80
Japan	85.80
Grenada	85.60
Greenland	85.50
New Zealand	85.50
Bermuda	85.40
Dominican Republic	85.30
Bangladesh	85.30
Jamaica	85
Saint Vincent And the Grenadines	84.80
Guyana	84.80
Eswatini	84.80
Zimbabwe	84.50
Ecuador	84.50
Peru	84.50
Botswana	84.10
Comoros	84
Zambia	84
Uganda	84
Saint Lucia	83.80
Eritrea	83.80
Haiti	83.70
El Salvador	83.60
South Africa	83.60
Indonesia	83.60
North Macedonia	83.50
Malawi	83.50
Ethiopia	83.40
Equatorial Guinea	83.30
Albania	83.30
Mauritania	83.30
Cuba	83.30
Nepal	83.30
Montenegro	83.20
Kyrgyzstan	83.20
Republic of the Congo	83.10
Ivory Coast	83.10
Tanzania	83.10
Gabon	83
Uzbekistan	83
Samoa	82.90
Timor Leste	82.90
Trinidad And Tobago	82.90
Namibia	82.90
Nigeria	82.90
Bosnia And Herzegovina	82.80
Madagascar	82.80
Angola	82.80
Bahamas	82.70
Turkmenistan	82.70
Mali	82.70
Sao Tome And Principe	82.60
Maldives	82.60
Solomon Islands	82.60
Brazil	82.50
Gambia	82.40
Mongolia	82.30
Papua New Guinea	82.20
Central African Republic	82.10
Guinea	82
Ghana	82
Northern Mariana Islands	81.90
Puerto Rico	81.90
Azerbaijan	81.90
Benin	81.90
Chile	81.90
Niger	81.90
Slovenia	81.80
Philippines	81.80
Tonga	81.70
Czech Republic	81.70
Serbia	81.60
Senegal	81.60
Malaysia	81.60
Vanuatu	81.50
Djibouti	81.50
Argentina	81.40
Guinea Bissau	81.30
Sierra Leone	81.30
Poland	81.20
Barbados	81.10
Fiji	81.10
Seychelles	80.90
United States	80.90
Uruguay	80.80

Autism Rates By State

1. Alabama: 1 in 59 children
2. Alaska: 1 in 66 children
3. Arizona: 1 in 59 children
4. Arkansas: 1 in 54 children
5. California: 1 in 58 children
6. Colorado: 1 in 59 children
7. Connecticut: 1 in 59 children
8. Delaware: 1 in 54 children
9. Florida: 1 in 53 children
10. Georgia: 1 in 57 children
11. Hawaii: 1 in 63 children
12. Idaho: 1 in 71 children
13. Illinois: 1 in 58 children
14. Indiana: 1 in 58 children
15. Iowa: 1 in 58 children
16. Kansas: 1 in 54 children
17. Kentucky: 1 in 59 children
18. Louisiana: 1 in 59 children
19. Maine: 1 in 57 children
20. Maryland: 1 in 54 children
21. Massachusetts: 1 in 57 children
22. Michigan: 1 in 54 children
23. Minnesota: 1 in 62 children
24. Mississippi: 1 in 54 children
25. Missouri: 1 in 57 children
26. Montana: 1 in 67 children
27. Nebraska: 1 in 53 children
28. Nevada: 1 in 54 children
29. New hampshire: 1 in 57 children
30. New jersey: 1 in 54 children
31. New mexico: 1 in 68 children
32. New york: 1 in 54 children
33. North carolina: 1 in 58 children
34. North dakota: 1 in 62 children
35. Ohio: 1 in 54 children
36. Oklahoma: 1 in 59 children
37. Oregon: 1 in 60 children
38. Pennsylvania: 1 in 54 children
39. Rhode island: 1 in 58 children
40. South carolina: 1 in 59 children
41. South dakota: 1 in 68 children
42. Tennessee: 1 in 56 children
43. Texas: 1 in 60 children
44. Utah: 1 in 59 children
45. Vermont: 1 in 59 children
46. Virginia: 1 in 55 children
47. Washington: 1 in 58 children
48. West virginia: 1 in 53 children
49. Wisconsin: 1 in 59 children
50. Wyoming: 1 in 65 children

Facts About Autism

Autism is a complex condition that affects individuals in different ways. Here are some additional facts about autism:

Autism is often diagnosed alongside other conditions, such as epilepsy, Tourette's syndrome, and sleep disorders.
Individuals with autism may have difficulty with motor skills and coordination.
Some individuals with autism may engage in repetitive behaviors or routines, such as rocking back and forth or lining up objects.
Autism can affect a person's ability to understand social cues and norms, leading to difficulties in social situations.
Communication difficulties are common among individuals with autism. This may include difficulty understanding verbal language or nonverbal cues such as facial expressions.
There is a wide range of functioning levels among individuals with autism. While some require significant support throughout their lives, others are able to live independently and hold down jobs.
Many individuals with autism have special interests or talents that they excel in, such as mathematics or art. These strengths should be celebrated and encouraged.
Autism is not caused by poor parenting or environmental factors such as vaccines. It is important to combat these harmful myths and promote accurate information about the causes of autism.
Late diagnosis of autism can lead to missed opportunities for early intervention and support.
Autism is a highly heritable condition.
Genetic factors play a significant role in the development of autism.
Environmental factors may also contribute to the development of autism.
There is no one cause of autism.
Autism is a complex condition that involves multiple genetic and environmental factors.
Autism is often accompanied by other conditions, such as intellectual disability, ADHD, and anxiety.
Autism can affect a person's language and communication skills.
Some individuals with autism may have highly developed abilities in certain areas, such as music or art.
Autism can affect a person's social skills and ability to form relationships.
Some individuals with autism may have difficulty with sensory processing, such as being sensitive to certain sounds or textures.
The cost of caring for an individual with autism can be high.
The lifetime cost of caring for an individual with autism can be up to $2.4 million.
The cost of care varies depending on the severity of the individual's symptoms.
Autism can affect a person's ability to live independently.
Some individuals with autism require lifelong care and support.
Autism can affect a person's ability to hold down a job.
Some individuals with autism may have difficulty with executive functioning, such as planning and organization.
Autism can affect a person's mental health.
Individuals with autism are more likely to experience anxiety and depression.
Autism can affect a person's physical health.
Individuals with autism may have other health conditions, such as gastrointestinal issues.
There is no known cure for autism.
However, early intervention and support can improve outcomes for individuals with autism.
There are many different types of interventions and therapies available for individuals with autism.
These include behavioral therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.
Medications may also be prescribed to help manage certain symptoms of autism.
It is important to remember that individuals with autism are unique individuals with their own strengths and challenges.

Wrapping Up Autism Statistics

In conclusion, the latest autism statistics show that autism is a complex and multifaceted condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While the prevalence of autism has increased significantly over the years, there is still much that we do not know about the condition.

Early intervention and support are key in improving outcomes for individuals with autism, and there are many different interventions and therapies available to help manage symptoms.

By gaining a better understanding of autism and the challenges it presents, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive society for individuals with autism and their families.