Statistics
Autism and statistics
The Numbers
Africa
Autism prevalence data in Africa is scarce, and estimates vary widely. A study conducted in Ethiopia in 2018 reported a prevalence rate of 0.9% in children aged 5 to 9 years.
Asia
Prevalence rates of Autism in Asia vary significantly across countries, ranging from 0.09% in Oman to 1.07% in Hong Kong. However, data is not always consistent due to different diagnostic criteria and research methodologies.
Australia
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that in 2018, about 1 in 70 people were diagnosed with Autism, with the majority being males. This estimate represents a significant increase from previous years.
Canada
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, the prevalence of Autism among children and youth is approximately 1 in 66. This number represents an increase in recent years, similar to the pattern observed in the United States.
Europe
The prevalence of Autism varies across European countries. A study published in 2020, which included data from several European nations, estimated an average prevalence of 1 in 89 children. However, it is essential to note that individual countries may report different prevalence rates due to varying diagnostic criteria and methodologies.
Middle East
In the Middle East, Autism prevalence rates are not well established, but some studies suggest rates between 1.4 and 1.9 per 1,000 people in the general population.
New Zealand
According to the New Zealand Autism Spectrum Disorder Guideline, the prevalence of Autism is estimated to be around 1 in 62 children or 1.61% of the population.
South America
Autism prevalence in South America is not well documented, but a study conducted in Brazil in 2011 estimated a prevalence of 0.27% among children aged 7 to 12 years.
United Kingdom
In the UK, the National Autistic Society estimates that around 1 in 100 people are on the Autism spectrum. This translates to over 700,000 Autistic individuals across the country.
United States
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that around 1 in 44 children are diagnosed with Autism in the U.S. This prevalence has been increasing over time, with better diagnostic methods and increased awareness.
Prevalence
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that globally, 1 in 160 children has Autism. However, the prevalence of Autism varies across countries and regions.
Gender
Autism is more commonly diagnosed in males than in females. Studies suggest that the male-to-female ratio is approximately 3:1, although the ratio can be higher in some regions.
Age of diagnosis
The average age of diagnosis for Autism varies by country, but it typically ranges between 3 and 6 years old. In some cases, children may be diagnosed earlier, while others might not receive a diagnosis until they reach adulthood.
Co-occurring conditions
Autistic individuals often have other co-occurring conditions or disabilities, such as intellectual disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorders, or epilepsy. It is estimated that 70-80% of Autistic individuals have at least one co-occurring condition.
Economic impact
The costs associated with Autism can be significant, including medical expenses, educational support, and lost productivity. In the United States, the estimated lifetime cost of caring for an individual with Autism ranges from $1.4 million to $2.4 million, depending on the presence of intellectual disability.
Early intervention
Research indicates that early intervention and appropriate support can improve outcomes for Autistic individuals, enhancing their communication, social, and adaptive skills, as well as their overall quality of life.