Autism Statistics

Autism Statistics and Facts

Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a complex developmental disorder that affects how a person communicates, interacts with others, and perceives the world around them.

It is estimated that 1 in 36 children in the United States is diagnosed with autism, making it one of the most prevalent developmental disorders. In this article, we will explore 60 autism statistics that shed light on the impact of autism on individuals, families, and society.

Autism Prevalence and Diagnosis

• Autism affects an estimated 1 in 36 children in the United States, according to a 2023 CDC report.

• Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls.

• The average age of autism diagnosis is 4 years old.

• About 44% of children with autism have average or above-average intellectual ability.

• About 25% of children with autism are nonverbal.

• Autism is more prevalent in certain racial and ethnic groups, including white children, Hispanic children, and non-Hispanic black children.

• The prevalence of autism has been increasing in recent years, but it is unclear whether this is due to better diagnosis or a true increase in the number of cases.

Causes and Risk Factors

• The exact causes of autism are not known, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

• There is no evidence that vaccines cause autism.

• Children born to older parents are at a higher risk of developing autism.

• Prenatal exposure to certain chemicals, such as pesticides, has been linked to an increased risk of autism.

• There is no evidence that autism is caused by poor parenting or social factors.