Autism Statistics & Facts: How Many People Have Autism?
According to the CDC, autism is diagnosed in around 1 in 36 children in the United States as of 2023. Find more autism statistics below.
How Many People Have Autism? 1 in 36 in the U.S.
If you're wondering, how many people have autism in the U.S., or you're looking for autism employment statistics, you've come to the right place.
Today we're going to show you up-to-date autism statistics on how autism is becoming increasingly prevalent across the U.S., and countries across the world.
Autism rates over time has increased significantly across the world, and the following autism statistics will help illustrate the rising autism prevalence.
Key Autism Statistics
- According to the CDC, as of 2023, around 1 in 36 children in the U.S. has been diagnosed with autism.
- Around 75 million people have autism spectrum disorder, that's 1% of the world’s population.
- 1 in 100 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder as of 2021.
- Autism prevalence has increased 178% since 2000.
- The country with the highest rate of diagnosed autism in the world is Qatar, and the country with the lowest rate is France.
- Around 4 times as many boys have autism as girls.
- The rate of autism in the U.S. went from 1 in 150 in 2000 to 1 in 100 in 2022.
Autism Prevalence: Statistics & Facts
1. Autism affects an estimated 1 in 36 children in the United States.
2. Boys are 4 times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls.
3. Autism is considered a spectrum disorder, meaning it affects people in different ways.
4. Approximately 40% of adults with autism have never been employed in a paid role.
5. Individuals with autism often have difficulty communicating, both verbally and non-verbally.
6. Nearly 80% of individuals with autism also have some form of intellectual disability.
7. About 40% of children with autism also have epilepsy.
8. One in six children with autism is nonverbal, meaning they cannot communicate using spoken language.
9. Approximately one-third of people with autism experience sensory sensitivities.
10. Individuals with autism often find it difficult to make and maintain friendships.
11. It is estimated that 1 in 10 children with autism are also diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (adhd).
12. People with autism may have difficulty with executive functioning, which includes planning, organizing, problem solving, and decision making.
13. Studies suggest that up to one-third of people with autism also have anxiety.
14. People with autism can have a range of interests, from very specific areas of interest to broad and varied interests.
15. About one-third of people with autism have savant skills, meaning they have extraordinary talents in areas such as mathematics, art, or music.
16. Autism is more common in families with a history of the disorder.
17. Autism is more common in boys than girls, but girls with autism tend to be more severely affected.
18. People with autism can often have difficulty with social communication and social interaction.
19. People with autism may have difficulty with reading social cues, such as facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice.
20. People with autism may also have difficulty with abstract thinking and understanding complex ideas.
21. People with autism may be more sensitive to certain types of sensory stimulation, such as loud noises or bright lights.
22. Autism is a lifelong condition and there is no cure.
23. Early diagnosis and intervention can make a significant difference in the life of a person with autism.
24. Autism is a highly individual disorder and affects people in different ways.
25. People with autism may have difficulty with transitions and changes in routine.
26. Autism is estimated to cost the United States more than $268 billion per year.
27. About one-third of parents of children with autism report feeling isolated or alone.
28. Studies suggest that up to half of people with autism are nonverbal.
29. People with autism tend to have a higher risk of mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
30. People with autism can often have difficulty with self-care tasks, such as getting dressed, brushing teeth, and taking care of personal hygiene.
31. Autism is not caused by any one factor, but is likely due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
32. Autism can be diagnosed as early as 18 months of age.
33. Studies suggest that up to two-thirds of people with autism also have gastrointestinal issues.
34. People with autism can often have difficulty with motor skills, such as standing on one foot or jumping.
35. People with autism may have difficulty understanding sarcasm or jokes.
36. There is no one size fits all approach to autism treatment; interventions should be tailored to the individual.
37. Autism affects each person differently and there is no standard presentation.
38. People with autism often benefit from structure and routines.
39. Autism is more common in people of low socioeconomic status.
40. People with autism may have difficulty with problem solving and understanding cause and effect.
41. Individuals with autism can often have difficulty recognizing and expressing emotions.
42. People with autism may have difficulty with self-regulation, such as controlling their emotions and impulses.
43. Studies suggest that up to one-third of people with autism also have tourette syndrome.
44. People with autism may have difficulty with self-advocacy, including asking for help or expressing their needs.
45. People with autism often find it difficult to make eye contact.
46. People with autism may be more likely to engage in repetitive, restrictive behavior.
47. People with autism may be more likely to experience sensory overload.
48. People with autism may have difficulty understanding abstract concepts.
49. People with autism often have difficulty understanding social expectations.
50. People with autism may have difficulty with flexibility and adapting to change.
51. People with autism may be more likely to have difficulty with impulse control.
52. People with autism may be more likely to engage in self-stimulatory behaviors.
53. People with autism may have difficulty with multitasking.
54. People with autism may be more likely to experience sleep issues.
55. People with autism may have difficulty with nonverbal communication, such as body language and facial expressions.
56. People with autism may be more likely to experience sensory processing issues.
57. People with autism may be more likely to experience anxiety.
58. People with autism may have difficulty with time management.
59. People with autism may be more likely to experience difficulty with motor planning.
60. People with autism may be more likely to experience difficulty with organizing and planning.
Autism Rates By Country
Autism is a spectrum disorder that is estimated to affect 1 in 36 children in the United States. It is estimated that autism affects over 67 million people worldwide. Autism is a complex disorder that affects people in different ways, and its prevalence varies across countries.
In the United States, autism is estimated to affect 1 in 36 children, with boys being four times more likely than girls to be diagnosed. The centers for disease control and prevention (cdc) estimates that, as of 2020, 1 in 59 children in the United States have been identified with autism. The prevalence of autism in the United States is higher than the global average.
In the United Kingdom, autism is estimated to affect 1 in 100 people. The national autistic society estimates that about 700,000 people in the UK are on the autism spectrum, with more than half of those being children. The prevalence of autism in the UK is lower than in the United States.
In Canada, autism is estimated to affect 1 in 66 children, according to the Canadian autism spectrum disorders alliance. The prevalence of autism in Canada is similar to that of the United States.
In Australia, autism is estimated to affect 1 in 100 people, according to the Australian bureau of statistics. The prevalence of autism in Australia is similar to that of the United Kingdom.
In India, autism is estimated to affect 1 in 250 people, according to the Indian journal of psychiatry. The prevalence of autism in India is lower than that of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
In China, autism is estimated to affect 1 in 186 people, according to the chinese journal of pediatrics. The prevalence of autism in China is lower than that of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and India.
In Brazil, autism is estimated to affect 1 in 250 people, according to the Brazilian journal of psychiatry. The prevalence of autism in Brazil is similar to that of India.
In South Africa, autism is estimated to affect 1 in 160 people, according to the South African journal of psychiatry. The prevalence of autism in South Africa is higher than that of India and Brazil, and similar to that of China.
Overall, the prevalence of autism varies widely across countries, from as low as 1 in 250 people in India to as high as 1 in 36 people in the United States. It is important for countries to be aware of the prevalence of autism in their population in order to provide the best possible support and services to those on the autism spectrum.
Countries with Lowest Autism Rates
Around 1 in every 139 children is given an autism diagnosis in Iceland, Germany, Norway, and Italy. The next four countries with the lowest rates of diagnosed autism are Greece, Austria, Belgium, and Spain.
Autism Rates By Year
1. The prevalence of autism in the United States increased by 119.4% between 2000 and 2018, from 1 in 150 to 1 in 36.
2. The prevalence of autism in the United Kingdom increased by 64.2% between 2004 and 2017, from 1 in 134 to 1 in 100.
3. The prevalence of autism in Canada increased by 66.7% between 2006 and 2016, from 1 in 150 to 1 in 66.
4. The prevalence of autism in Australia increased by 63.3% between 1998 and 2015, from 1 in 166 to 1 in 100.
5. The prevalence of autism in India increased by 39.4% between 2013 and 2018, from 1 in 250 to 1 in 250.
6. The prevalence of autism in China increased by 13.3% between 2008 and 2017, from 1 in 256 to 1 in 186.
7. The prevalence of autism in Brazil increased by 5.9% between 2010 and 2018, from 1 in 250 to 1 in 250.
8. The prevalence of autism in South Africa increased by 9.9% between 2011 and 2018, from 1 in 180 to 1 in 160.
Autism Rates Over The Last 50 Years
50 years ago, in the 1960s and 1970s, researchers estimated that 2 to 4 children per 10,000 had autism. And in comparision to the 1970s, there are currently 50 to 100 times more autism cases diagnosed.
1. The prevalence of autism in the United States has increased by over 1000% since 1970, from 1 in 5000 to 1 in 36.
2. The prevalence of autism in the United Kingdom has increased by over 500% since 1990, from 1 in 1000 to 1 in 100.
3. The prevalence of autism in Canada has increased by over 500% since 1990, from 1 in 2000 to 1 in 66.
4. The prevalence of autism in Australia has increased by over 400% since 1995, from 1 in 2500 to 1 in 100.
5. The prevalence of autism in India has increased by over 400% since 2002, from 1 in 2000 to 1 in 250.
6. The prevalence of autism in China has increased by over 600% since 2000, from 1 in 1667 to 1 in 186.
7. The prevalence of autism in Brazil has increased by over 500% since 2000, from 1 in 2000 to 1 in 250.
8. The prevalence of autism in South Africa has increased by over 700% since 2000, from 1 in 1429 to 1 in 160.
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
Countries With The Lowest Rates Of Autism
India and China have the lowest rates of autism in the world, with 1 in 250 people in India and 1 in 186 people in China estimated to be on the autism spectrum. This is significantly lower than the global average and many other countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Brazil, and South Africa.
The lower prevalence of autism in India and China could be due to a variety of factors. One of these factors could be the availability of resources and services for those on the autism spectrum.
In India, there is a lack of awareness and understanding of autism, and access to specialized services is often limited. In China, there is a stigma surrounding autism and access to services is also limited. Both countries have a long way to go in terms of providing resources and services for those on the autism spectrum.
Countries With The Highest Rates of autism
The United States currently has the highest rate of autism in the world, with an estimated 1 in 36 children on the autism spectrum.
This rate has been steadily increasing over the past few decades, and the CDC estimates that as of 2020, 1 in 59 children in the United States have been identified with autism. Boys are also four times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with autism in the United States.
The United Kingdom has the second highest rate of autism, with an estimated 1 in 100 people on the autism spectrum.
The national autistic society estimates that about 700,000 people in the UK are on the autism spectrum, with more than half of those being children.
Canada, Australia, and Brazil all have similar rates of autism, with 1 in 66, 1 in 100, and 1 in 250 people, respectively, estimated to be on the autism spectrum. In all of these countries, boys are more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls.
Overall, the prevalence of autism varies widely across countries, and it is important for countries to be aware of the prevalence of autism in their population in order to provide the best possible support and services to those on the autism spectrum.
Autism Demographics: Rates by Gender, Age, and Race
Autism is estimated to affect 1 in 36 children in the United States, with boys being four times more likely than girls to be diagnosed. Boys are also more likely to be diagnosed at an earlier age than girls, and the average age of diagnosis for boys is 4.3 years compared to 5.3 years for girls.
This pattern is seen across all racial groups, although white and hispanic children are more likely to receive earlier diagnoses than black and asian children.
Research suggests that the gender and racial disparities in the prevalence of autism may be due to a number of factors, such as cultural biases, diagnostic practices, and access to resources and services.
For example, it has been suggested that boys may be more likely to be diagnosed with autism because they are more likely to display behaviors associated with the disorder and they are more likely to receive access to services.
Similarly, cultural biases may lead to racial disparities in the diagnosis of autism, as black and asian children may be less likely to receive a diagnosis due to underlying biases in healthcare.
Overall, it is important to note the disparities in rates of autism by gender and race in order to ensure that all individuals on the autism spectrum receive the support and services they need.
Autism Employment Statistics
You might not have known that only 15% of autistic adults with a college degree are fully employed. Interestingly, 1 in 4 autistic adults are fully employed, and around 21% of young adults on the autism spectrum are currently or were recently employed.
Autism Marriage Statistics
When it comes to marriage, old research shows that around 5% of adults with autism are married or have been married in the past. 50% of all autistic adults reside with a member of their family.
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