Autism Fact Sheet
What is autism?
Autism is a developmental disability related to social communication and behavioral differences. Autism features can be very different from person to person and can change over time.
How many children are affected?
About 1 in 31 children (~3.2%) have autism in the United States. Males are about 3 times more likely than females to be diagnosed.
What critical programs ensure care?
- Medicaid supports health and mental health care for about half of all children with special healthcare needs like autism.
- Public schools provide critical educational supports via the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and accommodations through Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
- The Autism CARES Act ensures research funding and professional workforce support focused on improving the lives of autistic people.
What does the evidence say?
- The primary reason for the increase in autism diagnoses is because the definition of autism has broadened over time and more people now have access to evaluations.
- Vaccines do not cause autism. Millions of dollars have already been spent on high quality studies to investigate this concern, and the evidence is clear.
- Public investments in timely identification and support pay off. Giving children the support they need helps them reach their full potential, reduces long term healthcare costs, and improves health outcomes.