25+ Autism Statistics: How Many People Have Autism?

• Global Prevalence: The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 1 in every 100 children worldwide has autism, indicating a significant global impact.
• United States Statistics: In the US, about 1 in 36 children has been identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), representing approximately 2.8% of 8-year-old children, highlighting the substantial impact on the national population.
• North Carolina (NC) and Virginia (VA): Regional statistics show an estimated prevalence of ASD at around 1 in 58 children in NC and 1 in 56 children in VA, underscoring the importance of understanding localized prevalence for targeted interventions.
• Upward Trend: Recent data indicates an increase in ASD diagnosis rates, possibly reflecting improved awareness, better diagnostic tools, and broader recognition of the diverse manifestations of autism. This trend prompts further investigation into the underlying factors contributing to the rise in diagnosis rates.

The increase in autism diagnoses over the past several decades is striking. In the 1960s and 70s, the reported autism prevalence was as low as 1 in 10,000. Today, the numbers are exponentially higher, resulting in significant effort to understand whether this surge reflects a true increase in cases, or if it is due to improved awareness and Diagnostic Tools.

Multiple factors influence autism’s prevalence rates. These include:

• Enhanced public awareness leading to more individuals seeking diagnoses
• Changes in diagnostic criteria and methods
• Increased reproductive age of parents
• Environmental factors, including pollution and toxins
• Genetic predisposition

• The prevalence of autism in children aged 8 was estimated to be 1 in every 36 (2.8%) across CDC surveillance sites in 2020.
• ASD can be reliably diagnosed in children under the age of 2, with the median age of diagnosis falling between 4.5 and 5.5 years according to the CDC.
• Autism Rates in Adults: According to the CDC report, more than 5.4 million adults in the U.S., or 2.2 percent of the U.S. population, are on the autism spectrum.
• The highest prevalence of ASD is among those aged 5 to 11 years (1 in 40 or 2.5%), followed by those aged 12 to 17 years (1 in 53 or 1.9%).

• Boys are nearly 4 times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with autism.
• The CDC reported that 1 in 34 boys and 1 in 144 girls were identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

• Approximately 75% of adults with autism are unemployed or under-employed, highlighting the challenges faced in employment for individuals with autism.
• However, studies have shown that children from low-income families may be diagnosed later or receive less intensive treatment compared to those from higher-income families.

Autism prevalence in the 11 ADDM communities ranged from 1 in 43 (2.3%) children in Maryland to 1 in 22 (4.5%) in California, indicating substantial geographical variations in autism prevalence within the United States.

Autism rates by race/ethnicity based on the report from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) in 2021:

• Non-Hispanic white children have historically had higher prevalence rates of ASD diagnosis compared to Hispanic, black, and Asian children.
• Recent data suggests that the racial gap in ASD diagnosis is closing, with prevalence rates increasing among Black, Hispanic, and Asian or Pacific Islander children, potentially nearing parity with white children.
• Studies suggest that racial disparities may exist within access to healthcare and access to Early Intervention Services for children with ASD.

• In the 1960s and 1970s, U.S. researchers estimated that Autism Spectrum Disorder was found in anywhere from 2 to 4 children per 10,000.
• By the 1980s, rates of autism increased to about 1 in every 2,000 children.
• In the early 2000s, studies showed that approximately 1 in every 150 children were diagnosed with autism.
• The prevalence of autism in the United States has increased by more than 1000% since 1970, from 1 in 5000 to 1 in 36.

The table below presents the current autism rates in different countries compared to their previous data:

• In 2000, the prevalence was approximately 1 in 150, while in 2020, it was around 1 in 36, indicating an increase in identified cases over that period (CDC).
• A significant increase was noted in 2020, with 1 in 36 eight-year-olds (2.8%) having autism, compared to 1 in 44 (2.3%) in 2018.
• It’s important to note that these statistics reflect the evolving landscape of ASD prevalence and the increasing awareness and identification of the condition.

• Across the United States, the prevalence of autism varies significantly. While most states exhibit autism rates ranging from 2% to 3.9%, certain regions, such as Rhode Island, Maryland, and Florida, surpass this range with rates exceeding 4%.
• Notably, Florida boasts the highest prevalence at 4.88%, while Texas reports the lowest diagnosed autism rate at 1.54%.
• This diversity in prevalence suggests potential disparities in Screening Practices and the implementation of specialized educational support, indicating that certain states, including Florida, may have more robust screening processes and Intervention Strategies for Individuals with Autism.

These detailed statistics provide valuable insights into the changing landscape of autism prevalence over time and across different geographic regions.

• Children with autism often have co-occurring conditions such as intellectual disabilities, language impairments, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), adding complexity to their diagnosis and treatment plans.
• 70% of individuals with autism have one or more co-occurring medical conditions, such as gastrointestinal disorders, epilepsy, and sleep disturbances.
• Anxiety, depression, ADHD, and Behavioral Challenges are among the common mental health conditions associated with autism.

• The unemployment rate for individuals with autism is estimated to be around 85%, indicating significant challenges in employment opportunities for this population.
• This is in stark contrast to the unemployment rate of individuals with other disabilities, which is around 71%.
• The underemployment rate for individuals with autism is also high, with many working in jobs that do not utilize their skills and abilities.

• Families of children with autism face higher stress levels, with divorce rates reported to be approximately 2-3 times higher than those of the general population.
• 60% to 80% of adults with autism continue living at home with their parents, which impacts not only the family structure but also the individual’s independence and social integration.

• According to a study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, only 9% of adults with autism are married, highlighting the lower marriage rates compared to the general population.  
• This is likely due to Difficulties in Social Interactions and Communication, which can make it challenging to form and maintain relationships. 

• Special Education Services can cost at least $13,000 more per year for a student with autism compared to a student without autism, leading to an increased financial burden on educational institutions and families.
• The cost of educating an individual with autism over their lifespan is estimated to be $233,000 higher than that of individuals without disabilities.

The evolution of diagnostic criteria, such as the introduction of the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), has impacted autism diagnosis figures. Understanding how changes in criteria affect these numbers illuminates the dynamic nature of autism diagnosis. The rise in reported autism rates has led to heightened awareness and funding for research. However, the reasons for this increase are still under debate and require further investigation. 

Genetic factors play a significant role in the development of autism, but their exact contribution to diagnosis remains unclear. Research into genetic markers and diagnostic tools may pave the way for earlier and more accurate diagnoses. Advances in technology have opened up new possibilities for Screening and Diagnosing Autism. 

Early intervention has been shown to have a positive impact on the development of children with autism, challenging the “wait and see” approach once common. The influence of these interventions on diagnosis and functional outcomes underscores their importance. Moreover, early intervention has the potential to reduce long-term costs associated with autism.

Global efforts to increase awareness and reduce stigma around autism have the potential to affect diagnosis rates. In some cases, they lead to overdiagnosis, while in others, they encourage those on the spectrum to seek and receive an accurate diagnosis for the first time.

Autism is not just a single statistic or a solitary diagnosis — it is a mosaic of numbers that reflect different aspects of an individual’s life and society at large. By understanding these figures, we can better appreciate the breadth and depth of autism and take meaningful steps toward a world that is truly inclusive and supportive of everyone on the spectrum.