What Is Autism?: Facts and Stats

1 in 150 births⁽¹⁾
1 to 1.5 million Americans⁽²⁾
Fastest-growing developmental disability
10 - 17 % annual growth
Growth comparison during the 1990s⁽³⁾:
- U.S. population increase: 13%
- Disabilities increase: 16%
- Autism increase: 172%
$90 billion annual cost⁽⁴⁾
90% of costs are in adult services⁽⁴⁾
Cost of lifelong care can be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention⁽⁴⁾
In 10 years, the annual cost will be $200-400 billion⁽⁵⁾

Sources:

Based on prevalence statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2007).
Based on the autism prevalence rate of 2 to 6 per 1,000 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2001) and 2000 U.S. Census figure of 280 million Americans.
U.S. Department of Education's "Twenty-First Annual Report to Congress on the Implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act" (1999).
Jarbrink K, Knapp M, 2001, London School of Economics study: "The economic impact on autism in Britain," 5 (1): 7-22.
ASA calculates that the annual cost of autism will increase to $200-400 billion in 10 years. February 2003

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