30 Autism Statistics & Facts (Prevalence)

Autism Prevalence Statistics

1. Autism affects an estimated 1 in 36 children in the United States.
2. Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls.
3. Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States.
4. Most children get diagnosed after age 4, but autism can be reliably diagnosed as early as age 2.
5. The prevalence of autism has increased by 10% to 17% annually in recent years.
6. Autism affects people of all races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
7. Autism is found in all regions of the world and in all cultures.
8. The prevalence of autism varies widely from region to region.
9. Some studies suggest that the prevalence of autism is higher in rural areas than in urban areas.
10. The prevalence of autism is higher among children born to older parents.
11. The prevalence of autism is higher among children born prematurely.

Autism Diagnosis Statistics

1. Early diagnosis and intervention can improve outcomes for children with autism.
2. The average age of diagnosis for autism in the United States is 4 years old.
3. The diagnostic process for autism involves a comprehensive evaluation by a team of professionals.
4. There is no single test that can diagnose autism.
5. The diagnostic criteria for autism have changed over time.
6. The current diagnostic criteria for autism focus on two core areas: social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviors.
7. Autism can be diagnosed as early as 18 months of age.
8. Some children with autism are not diagnosed until they are school-age or older.
9. Autism can co-occur with other conditions, such as intellectual disability, ADHD, and anxiety.

International Autism Statistics

1. The prevalence of autism varies widely from country to country.
2. Some countries have higher rates of autism than others.
3. The diagnostic criteria for autism are not the same in all countries.
4. Some countries may have more limited access to diagnostic and treatment services for autism.
5. The United Nations has designated April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day.

Autism Rates by Year

• In 2000, the CDC reported that around 6.7 out of every 1,000 children were diagnosed with autism.
• In 2004, diagnoses of autism were given to 8 out of ever 1,000 children.
• In 2006, autism diagnoses were given to about 1 out of every 110 children.
• In 2008, that number jumped to 1 out of every 88 children.
• In 2010, the number of autism diagnoses given to children was about 1 in 68.
• By 2018, the number of diagnoses given to children had risen to about 1 in 44, or 23 out of every 1,000 children. That’s almost 4 times the rate in 2000.

Summary

In conclusion, autism is a complex and multifaceted disorder that affects individuals, families, and society as a whole.

The prevalence of autism is increasing, and there is ongoing research on the causes, treatment, and support for individuals with autism. Increased awareness and advocacy can help improve outcomes for individuals with autism and their families.

Sources

1. https://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-statistics-asd
2. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/autism-spectrum-disorder-asd
3. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html
4. https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/autism-statistics/
5. https://www.ambitionsaba.com/resources/autism-statistics
6. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/autism-spectrum-disorders