How Many People Have Autism

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 23:52:49 +0000

**How Many People Have Autism: Understanding Prevalence in the United States** Curious about how many people in the U.S. live with autism? This question increasingly shapes conversations in healthcare, education, policy, and communities—reflecting growing awareness and evolving data. Recent estimates show approximately 1 in 36 children and adults have autism spectrum disorder, translating to a national prevalence of around 3% of the population, based on 2023 CDC and expenditure studies. While numbers shift as diagnostic practices and awareness grow, this figure underscores autism’s widespread impact across the country. Beyond raw numbers, understanding how many people have autism reveals broader trends. Increased screening, expanded diagnostic criteria, and destigmatization efforts have led to more accurate counts than just a decade ago. This reality matters not just for public health, but for access to support systems, inclusive design, and informed community planning. The data also highlights how autism manifests across diverse demographics—underscoring the need for nuanced, evidence-based communication. ### Why How Many People Have Autism Is Gaining Attention in the U.S.