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:

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