Fact sheet: Autism prevalence
Recent articles
Explore changes in the diagnosis over time, global differences, the role of genes and the environment, and more.
FEATURED
Autism by the numbers: Explaining its apparent rise
Prevalence research
Autism prevalence increasing in children, adults, according to electronic medical records
U.S. study charts changing prevalence of profound and non-profound autism
Inconsistent prevalence estimates highlight studies’ flaws
The evolution of ‘autism’ as a diagnosis, explained
U.S. autism prevalence continues to rise as race and sex gaps shrink, new stats show
Autism prevalence in the United States, explained
Racial, economic disparities skew New Jersey data on autism, intellectual disability
Environmental factors
Environmental factors unlikely to account for rise in autism prevalence
Acetaminophen use during pregnancy does not increase child’s chance of having autism, study finds
Journal club: Does lithium in drinking water contribute to autism?
Whooping cough vaccine during pregnancy carries no risk of autism
No link between epidurals and autism, two studies confirm
Prenatal exposure to antipsychotic medication does not increase odds of autism, ADHD
The link between parental age and autism, explained
Majority of autism risk resides in genes, multinational study suggests
How pregnancy may shape a child’s autism
The link between antidepressants and autism, explained
Autism is more heritable in boys than in girls
Vaccines
Smoke, mirrors and Robert Kennedy Jr.’s vaccine safety panel
Vaccination: Costly clash between autonomy, public health
Additional stories
U.S. autism prevalence inches upward as racial gaps close
Autism prevalence in the United States rose to 1 in 44 children in 2018, up from 1 in 54 in 2016.
U.S. autism prevalence inches upward as racial gaps close
Autism prevalence in the United States rose to 1 in 44 children in 2018, up from 1 in 54 in 2016.
New U.S. data show similar autism prevalence among racial groups
Autism prevalence in the United States continues to rise, according to a new study of 8-year-old children in 11 states. Boys are 4.3 times as likely as girls are to have autism, a ratio that is consistent with previous estimates.
New U.S. data show similar autism prevalence among racial groups
Autism prevalence in the United States continues to rise, according to a new study of 8-year-old children in 11 states. Boys are 4.3 times as likely as girls are to have autism, a ratio that is consistent with previous estimates.
Prevalence estimates for autism indicate bias against non-white groups
Estimates for autism's prevalence in three U.S. states reveal significant inequalities in how children of different races and ethnicities are counted and assessed.
Prevalence estimates for autism indicate bias against non-white groups
Estimates for autism's prevalence in three U.S. states reveal significant inequalities in how children of different races and ethnicities are counted and assessed.
New autism diagnoses shifting toward mild end of spectrum
Although the number of people diagnosed with autism is on the rise, the proportion with severe features has dropped since 2000.
New autism diagnoses shifting toward mild end of spectrum
Although the number of people diagnosed with autism is on the rise, the proportion with severe features has dropped since 2000.
Autism incidence in England varies by ethnicity, class, location
High rates of autism are linked to lower socioeconomic status and minority ethnic groups, according to the largest-ever autism incidence study.
Autism incidence in England varies by ethnicity, class, location
High rates of autism are linked to lower socioeconomic status and minority ethnic groups, according to the largest-ever autism incidence study.
CDC autism prevalence numbers warrant attention—but not in the way RFK Jr. proposes
The head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is ignoring decades of research findings.
CDC autism prevalence numbers warrant attention—but not in the way RFK Jr. proposes
The head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is ignoring decades of research findings.
High prevalence of developmental delay strains Australia’s support systems
The nation needs to build capacity to support the roughly 20 percent of children in Australia who have developmental delay.
High prevalence of developmental delay strains Australia’s support systems
The nation needs to build capacity to support the roughly 20 percent of children in Australia who have developmental delay.
Controversial ‘cost of autism’ paper retracted
The journal’s decision comes two years after Spectrum covered backlash from researchers over the study.
Controversial ‘cost of autism’ paper retracted
The journal’s decision comes two years after Spectrum covered backlash from researchers over the study.
Turner syndrome tied to autism
Most people with the X-linked syndrome have autism traits, and about one-quarter meet diagnostic criteria for the condition.
Turner syndrome tied to autism
Most people with the X-linked syndrome have autism traits, and about one-quarter meet diagnostic criteria for the condition.
Population study downgrades some copy number variants’ impact on autism
Some copy number variants may boost a person’s chances of having autism, but to a lesser extent than previously thought.
Population study downgrades some copy number variants’ impact on autism
Some copy number variants may boost a person’s chances of having autism, but to a lesser extent than previously thought.
Explore more from The Transmitter
Null and Noteworthy: Learning theory validated 20 years later
The first published paper from the EEGManyLabs replication project nullifies a null result that had complicated a famous reinforcement learning theory.
Null and Noteworthy: Learning theory validated 20 years later
The first published paper from the EEGManyLabs replication project nullifies a null result that had complicated a famous reinforcement learning theory.
Neuroscientist Gerry Fischbach, in his own words
In 2023, I had the privilege of sitting down with Gerry over the course of several days and listening as he told the story of his life and career—including stints as dean or director of such leading institutions as Columbia University and NINDS—so that we could record it for posterity.
Neuroscientist Gerry Fischbach, in his own words
In 2023, I had the privilege of sitting down with Gerry over the course of several days and listening as he told the story of his life and career—including stints as dean or director of such leading institutions as Columbia University and NINDS—so that we could record it for posterity.
Amina Abubakar translates autism research and care for Kenya
First an educator and now an internationally recognized researcher, the Kenyan psychologist is changing autism science and services in sub-Saharan Africa.
Amina Abubakar translates autism research and care for Kenya
First an educator and now an internationally recognized researcher, the Kenyan psychologist is changing autism science and services in sub-Saharan Africa.