In this blog, we will explore the global prevalence of ASD as well as a specific focus on recent statistics in Australia.
Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder Worldwide
How Common is Autism Globally? Globally, the prevalence of diagnosed ASD worldwide has increased, due to increased awareness and research. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States estimates that approximately 1 in 54 children has ASD (1).
Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Australia
Turning our attention to Australia, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported that in 2020, around 205,200 Australians were identified as having ASD (2). These figures provide a quantitative glimpse into the prevalence of ASD in the Australian population, emphasizing the importance of accurate and up-to-date statistical data. However, we know that there is a prominent history where ASD was not recognised in individuals, due to barriers related to accessing care and limited knowledge and understanding of ASD. This has been likely to contribute to a range of adults with undiagnosed ASD, who have learnt to mask their symptoms and experience. Therefore, the current statistics are likely not representative of the true prevalence. This demonstrates the importance of ongoing research into ASD, as well as accurate social understanding of ASD, as this allows for early identification, and allows individuals to understand themselves and their internal world better, in a way that is more accepting of their diversity. For those seeking further information on how autism is diagnosed and the steps involved in obtaining an assessment, our autism assessments page provides comprehensive details and guidance. This is important to also limit the potential for comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression to develop.
Research and awareness of ASD is continuing to grow worldwide. As such, this is represented in ongoing statistics of ASD. However, it is important to note that these statistics may still be under-representative of the prevalence, due to challenges such as access to care and access to assessment, limited mental health literacy and masking behaviours.
References:
- Footnotes
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Data & Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html
- Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2020). Autism in Australia. Retrieved from https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/by%20Subject/3303.0~2020~Main%20Features~Autism%20in%20Australia~16
