Autism Statistics

35+ Alarming Autism Statistics [2024 Update]

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Autism is defined as a developmental disorder of variable severity, characterized by difficulties in communication, social interaction, and repetitive or restrictive patterns of thought or behavior.

There is no specific reason why autism happens. The general view is that it’s caused by abnormalities in the brain structure or functions. 

Autism statistics provide a better view of the importance of early screening, the autism prevalence in the US, and globally, as well as ways in which autistic children can be helped to live a better life.

Some persons with other types of autism, such as pervasive developmental disorder, can show milder issues compared to those with autism disorder. 

Important Autism Facts & Figures (Editor’s Choice)

  • 1 in 54 children in the US has autism.
  • 1 in 160 children was diagnosed with autism worldwide.  
  • Boys are diagnosed 4 times more likely than girls.
  • According to autism statistics, autism was prevalent in about 2% of 8-year-old children.
  • One-third of children diagnosed with autism have an intellectual disability.
  • Autism costs the family $60,000 per year on average.

Statistics of Autism and Rates of Autism in the US

1. Autism rates in the US show that 1 in 54 children in the US has autism. 

(Autism Speaks)

Autism is on the rise! Statistics show that one in 54 children are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in the US. Autism birth rates in the US are increasing, and no one is quite sure why. It might be due to improved diagnostic methods.  

2. Autism affects all ethnic and socioeconomic groups of children. 

(Autism Speaks)

Autism by race statistics show that there’s no difference between black and white children. There is still a gap remaining, due to the prevalence of the condition among the Hispanic population, CDC autism statistics show.

Still, children in the black and Hispanic populations received evaluations in later years, which can point to the issues with diagnosis in these demographic cohorts. 

3. According to current autism rates, the number of children who had a screening by the age of 3 has increased.

(Autism Speaks)

By observing the facts about children with autism, there’s noticeable progress towards an earlier screening, since the number of children who had screening by the age of 3 has increased from 74% to 84%.  

4. US autism rates over time show an increase of 10%. 

(Johns Hopkins School of Public Health)

Since 2000, autism cases by year have almost tripled, from 0.67% to 1.85%, with 2007 reports showing one child being diagnosed per 150 children, and 2016 report showing one child with autism per 68 children. 

5. Autism rates by state in the US show New Jersey has 1 diagnosed child per 46.

(Healthline)

On the other hand, Colorado has 1 child per 101 other kids, Wisconsin is close by with 1 in 108, and Alabama has 1 autistic child per 175, with the lowest numbers in the nation.

6. According to autism demographics statistics, boys are diagnosed 4 times more than girls.

(Autism Speaks)

When it comes to gender, boys seem to be diagnosed more than girls. According to autism rates, 1 in 34 boys has autism, compared to 1 in 144 girls.

There’s a variety of reasons why autism disorders hit more boys than girls, such as high levels of fetal testosterone levels or gene mutations. This also results in a lack of early detection and proper treatment for girls. 

7. According to autism statistics, autism was prevalent in about 2% of 8-year-old children.

(SingleCare)

Data from autism statistics 2020 and those collected since 2016 show that nearly 2% of children in the age of 8 are diagnosed with autism. The CDC has been collecting data on autism since 2016. 

8. One-third of children diagnosed with autism have an intellectual disability.

(SingleCare)

Autism data points out that one-third of children who are diagnosed with autism have an IQ lower or equal to 70, with 7% more girls than boys showcasing this state.

According to autism spectrum disorders statistics, about 24% of children have an IQ of borderline range, which is an IQ of between 71 and 85.

Autism Statistics Worldwide

9. 1 in 160 children worldwide has a diagnosis of autism. 

(WHO)

According to WHO’s autism statistics from 2019, 1 in 160 children has autism globally Still, this is an average estimate, due to the variables in studies.

Some well-controlled studies do report that the numbers are higher, again, most likely due to better methods of diagnosis.

Low and middle-income countries’ numbers are still unknown since there’s likely a problem with reporting autism.

10. ASD prevalence is increasing globally.

(WHO) 

Based on the collection of studies conducted in the last 50 years, the autism rate increase is present globally. The numbers can most likely be explained by increased awareness, better diagnostic tools, and improved reporting. 

11. Hong Kong has 372 cases of autism per 10,000 children.

(Statista)

According to autism statistics by country, and autism statistics worldwide for 2020, South Korea seems to have the most cases after Hong Kong with 263, followed by the US with 222 per 10,000 children, and Japan, with 181 per 10,000.

The lowest number of autism cases is recorded in Poland, with only 3 cases per 10,000 children. 

12. Autism is still a stigma in some countries.

(Spectrum News)

There are no countries with no autism, only those with a lack of awareness, poor medical records, and stigmas.

The methods used to calculate the autism prevalence in certain countries usually don’t return correct data, and the medical records are often incorrect.

For example, South Korean parents go as far as making doctors diagnose reactive attachment disorder — social withdrawal due to parental abuse — instead of autism, so that the child doesn’t become stigmatized in society.

This affects the final autism numbers that are reported.

Autism Statistics

25 Surprising Facts About Autism

13. Autism got its name from Greek.

(Massachusetts General Hospital)

The term autism comes from the Greek word “autos” and literally means “alone.” While there has been a lot of work done to raise awareness of the condition in recent years, a sad fact is that this origin and meaning is sadly still true for a lot of people on the spectrum.

14. Early diagnosis means an improved life. 

(HelpGuide)

Statistics for children with autism show that the sooner the child is diagnosed, the better. The chances are that the child’s life will significantly improve if the autism is detected by 18 months of age since there’s enough time for invasive treatment that can help rewire the brain and improve the functions. 

15. There is no cure for autism.

(WebMD)

There’s no cure and no medicine that can treat autism. What does exist are medicines that help treat accompanying conditions, such as lack of focus, seizures, and depression. 

Recent studies have shown that medical marijuana has some positive effects on kids with ASD. Cannabis plants have compounds that are found to reduce some autism symptoms.

16. Causes of autism are unknown.

(Autism Society)

There is no known cause for autism spectrum disorder. Some believe that abnormalities in the brain are the leading cause, but researchers are exploring the idea of heredity, medical problems, and genetics.

More studies are needed to understand the causes of autism better, and work on the therapies to alleviate the issues. 

17. Children and adults with autism want to socialize, but lack the ability.

(Autism Speaks)

Those on the spectrum are still people, aware of their needs. Autistic people would love to have friends, but most of the time, they lack the idea of how to achieve social interactions or are too anxious to try. Their tendency to develop social anxiety can be reduced by practicing social skills. 

18. Autism costs the family $60,000 per year on average. 

(PS Academy Arizona)

According to autism statistics, it takes about $60,000 per year to take care of someone with ASD, which amounts to $2.3 million in a lifetime. 

19. Comorbidities in children with ASD are common.

(Chop)

Autism spectrum disorder statistics show many comorbidities that come with ASD. Children with autism are prone to depression during teenage years and adulthood.

Other comorbidities include epilepsy, sleep disorder, ADHD, gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. 

20. Each child with ASD is unique. 

(KidsHealth)

Autism facts show that children with ASD function differently than other kids, and two kids with autism disorder will never experience the same issues or show the lack of the same skills.

Some are talented in drawing, and some like music. It’s all about how their brain processes the information, and it processes it differently with every individual. 

21. There are many types of autism disorders.

(WebMD)

Autism spectrum disorders include Aspergers’ syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder — not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), Autistic disorder, and Childhood disintegrative disorder. 

22. High-functioning autism isn’t an official term or diagnosis.

(WebMD)

This is only a term that some people use when talking about people on the spectrum who can live independently, do everyday tasks, and take care of themselves. 

23. World Autism Awareness Day is April 2nd.

(Time) 

And the official Autism Awareness Day color is blue. While autism stats point that autism is on the rise, autism awareness facts show that there still isn’t enough awareness.

Just knowing that autism is out there is not enough to improve the individual’s quality of life. 

24. Idioms can confuse people with autism.

(Autistic Not Weird)

People on the spectrum have a hard time understanding things that are not literal. Something as simple as “Go through that door” can confuse them because they know that doors are made of solid material. 

25. Employment statistics for autistic people are lower.

(Spectrum News)

According to autism facts and statistics, adults on the spectrum have a hard time finding jobs. Nearly half of adults with autism live with a family member, and about one in five is employed. 

26. Anxiety-based behavioral issues come together with autism. 

(Raising Children Network)

At an early age, anxiety is heavily present in children with autism. Since they have difficulties understanding how the world works, they might insist on increased routine, have trouble sleeping, or have meltdowns. They can become incredibly anxious if their routines suddenly change. 

27. Certain colors can cause seizures.

(ScienceDaily)

Since children on the spectrum are more likely to have epilepsy, certain colors can cause a seizure, especially if they’re presented in a flickering motion. This is called photosensitive epilepsy. 

28. People with autism still feel emotions.

(Autism Speaks)

There is a belief when it comes to the autism population that they don’t have emotions. This is a myth. The person on the spectrum feels a variety of emotions, they only have a hard time expressing them and showing them to the outside world. 

29. Autism is a lifelong condition.

(NCBI)

Autism is described as a lifelong condition, although some children might outgrow it, these cases are rare. There were also instances of acquired autism, followed by periods of typical development. 

30. Many insurance companies don’t cover autism therapy.

(NCSL)

While there are no medications for autism, some therapies have proved beneficial in treating the symptoms that accompany the condition.

These therapies are costly, and parents are having trouble with medical insurance. On June 8, 2017, the District of Columbia passed laws that require coverage of autism services. Other states may require limited coverage. 

31. Woody Allen, Tim Burton, and Susan Boyle are on the spectrum.

(ABA Degree Program Guide)

Autism is present in all levels of society and isn’t selective. Other famous people on the spectrum are Dan Aykroyd, Lewis Carrol, James Joyce, Mozart, and Courtney Love. 

32. Some children might outgrow autism. 

(ScienceDaily, IAN Community)

Autism prognosis statistics show that autism is a lifelong condition, but some children may outgrow it. Still, some difficulties remain, and they’re likely to need assistance and educational support during their life. 

33. Autism may begin before birth. 

(Health)

According to facts about autism spectrum disorder, scientists were able to discover brain cells that point to autism even before the baby is born.

Research suggests that some medications may cause a change in the baby’s brain if taken during pregnancy. 

34. There’s no link between vaccines and autism.

(CDC)

Facts about vaccines and autism show that there is no clear link between vaccines and autism. The problematic ingredient was thought to be thimerosal, which serves to prevent contamination of multi-dose vials of vaccines.

Further research pointed out that there’s no connection to thimerosal and ASD. Nine CDC’s studies since 2003 show that this is definitely true, but vaccination and autism statistics still make people doubt the safety of vaccines. 

35. Special diet can’t cure autism. 

(Otsimo)

Even though a change in diet is recommended to help alleviate symptoms of comorbidities,  autism facts and myths show that diets don’t have any effect on autism. 

36. There are many treatments for autism.

(NICHD)

These treatments include behavioral management therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, occupational and physical therapy, as well as social skills training, speech therapy, and school-based therapies. 

37.  20% of adult individuals with autism are unemployed. 

(Psychology Today)

According to  statistics about autism, 20% of adults with autism are unemployed, but this number can be higher from other estimates.

Additionally, 58% of individuals aged 18 to 25 with autism are paid for work. Interestingly, companies are starting to recognize the significance of a diversified workforce that embraces people with autism and the unique value they contribute. 

Autism Diagnosis Statistics

38. Screening and diagnostics can be difficult. 

(CDC)

An autism diagnosis is difficult due to the fact that there aren’t any tests that doctors can use to measure the child’s development. They can only observe the developmental history and the child’s behavior to make a diagnosis.

39. By the age of 2, a diagnosis can be considered reliable.

(CDC)

According to autism diagnosis rates, some diagnoses can be made as early as 18 months. By the age of 2, autism diagnosis by an experienced doctor can be considered reliable.

Nevertheless, many children become diagnosed way later in life, therefore lacking the help they need at an early age. 

40. There are many red flags to consider while diagnosing. 

(CDC)

Facts on autism show that there are many red flags to take into consideration, such as the lack of response to the name, avoiding eye contact, providing unrelated answers to questions, delayed speech and language skills, become upset by small changes, have repetitive body movements, not pointing at objects to show interest by 14 months, and so on. 

Conclusion

Statistics on autism clearly show that the ASD conditions are on the rise in the US as well as globally, in the developed countries.

While awareness is following the growth of the cases, there still isn’t enough societal support for people on the spectrum. Many believe that autism is a disease, or that people with ASD don’t feel any emotion. 

Not all of them are like Rain Man from the famous movie. While some do show affinities towards math or art, many don’t have special talents.

People with ASD do understand this world in their own way, and even if something might confuse them, they still want to belong and be as equal to others as they can. 

There are many myths surrounding autism, as well. Vaccines and autism statistics clearly show that there is no proof that vaccines cause autism, and certain diets can’t cure it.

The best thing that diets can do is help with accompanying symptoms. Current stats of autism point to the importance of early detection and increased awareness. With the effort of autism advocates, the future of people on the spectrum might be a bit brighter. 

FAQ

2.2% of adults in the US have autism, which amounts to about 5.4 million people of 18 years and older. The global estimated ASD prevalence is about 1% of the population. 

Hong Kong has the highest level of children on the spectrum per 10,000 — 372. 

There is no race that has a higher or lower risk, though autism rates show that it does somewhat depend on gender. Boys are more likely to develop autism than girls. 

While many claim that autism is an epidemic, the truth behind the rising stats on autism lies in increased awareness and better diagnostic criteria. 

According to autism statistics, approximately 1 in 54 children is diagnosed with autism in the US. On a global level, 1 in 160 children has ASD.