How common is ADHD in U.S. children?

About 11% of U.S. children ages 3–17 have ever been diagnosed with ADHD, based on recent national surveys.

How common is ADHD in U.S. adults?

Roughly 6% of U.S. adults—about 15 million people—have a current ADHD diagnosis.

Are boys diagnosed with ADHD more than girls?

Yes. ADHD is diagnosed about twice as often in boys as in girls (roughly 15% vs 8%), though girls are thought to be underdiagnosed due to subtler symptoms.

At what age is ADHD usually diagnosed?

The average age of diagnosis is around 7 years old, but many children are now identified earlier through preschool and elementary screening.

Has the ADHD diagnosis rate changed over time?

Yes. U.S. child ADHD diagnoses have increased in the last decade, reflecting improved awareness and screening rather than a proven rise in underlying incidence.

How often does ADHD occur with other conditions?

Comorbidity is common: about 78% of children with ADHD have at least one additional condition, such as anxiety, depression, learning disorders, or autism.

What percentage of children with ADHD receive treatment?

Roughly 70% receive some ADHD-specific care. About one in three children with an ADHD diagnosis are not receiving behavior therapy or medication.

What treatments are most common for ADHD?

Behavior therapy, medication, and combined care are most common. About one-third of children with ADHD receive both medication and behavioral therapy.

Are there diagnosis differences across racial and ethnic groups?

Recent data show White and Black children have similar ADHD diagnosis rates (~12%), with Hispanic and American Indian/Alaska Native children close behind and Asian/Pacific Islander children somewhat lower.

Where should families start if they suspect ADHD?

Begin with a pediatrician or primary-care provider for screening and referrals. A licensed therapist can help with evaluation, behavior strategies, and care coordination.

Autism Spectrum Statistics (2025): U.S. Prevalence, Disparities & Co-Occurring Conditions

This quick-reference table highlights the most reliable U.S. autism statistics, drawing from the CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), and other nationally recognized sources. Each figure is included to help readers quickly understand trends while linking directly to the original data for verification.

Top 25 U.S. Autism Statistics (Latest)

Last updated: September 30, 2025

Autism statistics for children and adults. U.S.-focused unless noted. “Latest” reflects the most recent year available for each source (not always 2025).

#	Key Statistic (U.S.)	Source
1	1 in 31 U.S. children aged 8 are identified with autism (3.2%).	CDC
2	Autism is 3.4x more common in boys (4.9%) than in girls (1.4%).	NIMH
3	Prevalence by race/ethnicity: White 2.8%, Black 3.7%, Asian/PI 3.8%, Hispanic 3.3%, AI/AN ~3.8%.	NIMH
4	Among 8-year-olds with autism and IQ data, 39.6% had intellectual disability (IQ ≤ 70).	CDC
5	Autism prevalence varies by community: ranges from 1 in 19 to 1 in 103 among 8-year-olds.	CDC
6	In 2022, prevalence was 32.2 per 1,000 children (3.22%).	CDC
7	An estimated 5.4 million U.S. adults (2.2%) are on the autism spectrum.	Autism Speaks
8	Median age of diagnosis: 4 years old (47 months).	CDC
9	Only 50% of children with autism had a developmental evaluation by age 3.	CDC
10	Autism prevalence has risen from 1 in 150 in 2000 to 1 in 31 today.	CDC
11	40% of autistic children also have an intellectual disability.	CDC
12	About 1 in 4 autistic children have borderline IQ (70–85).	CDC
13	1 in 3 autistic individuals have average or above-average intelligence.	CDC
14	74% of autistic students graduate high school with a diploma.	Autism Speaks
15	Autism is a lifelong condition; support needs vary from childhood to adulthood.	NIMH
16	Autistic children are more likely to have co-occurring ADHD (30–40%).	NIMH
17	Anxiety disorders affect about 40% of autistic individuals.	Autism Speaks
18	About 25% of autistic people develop seizures or epilepsy.	Autism Speaks
19	Autistic individuals often face sleep disturbances, reported in 50–80% of cases.	Autism Speaks
20	30–50% of autistic people experience gastrointestinal issues.	Autism Speaks
21	Autistic adults have higher rates of depression compared to the general population.	NIMH
22	About 21% of autistic adults are employed, though rates rise with vocational support.	Autism Speaks
23	Autism prevalence among Hispanic children is now approaching parity with White children.	CDC
24	Asian/Pacific Islander children now report prevalence rates around 3.8%, slightly higher than White children.	CDC
25	Autism remains one of the most common developmental conditions, affecting millions of families nationwide.	NIMH

A flat-style digital infographic showing that 5.4 million U.S. adults (2.2%) are on the autism spectrum, with diverse adult silhouettes in calming blue and teal tones. — An estimated 5.4 million U.S. adults (2.2%) are on the autism spectrum, reflecting growing recognition and support across workplaces, colleges, and communities.

Key Takeaways on Autism Statistics

Autism diagnoses are at an all-time high in children. In 2022, autism affected about 1 in 31 U.S. 8-year-olds. Two decades ago, it was about 1 in 150. The increase reflects better awareness and expanded screening – more children are being identified and supported than ever before.
Autism is lifelong, affecting millions of adults. An estimated 5.4 million U.S. adults (about 2.2%) are on the autism spectrum. Many grew up before autism was commonly diagnosed, so some discovered their autism later in life. Recognition and support for autistic adults in college, workplaces, and communities are growing.
Boys are diagnosed far more often than girls. Autism is 3 to 4 times more common in boys. However, girls are likely underdiagnosed since they often show subtler social difficulties. Clinicians are improving at recognizing autism in girls, but historically many were overlooked or misdiagnosed.
Racial disparities are shrinking. For the first time, autism prevalence in Black, Hispanic, and Asian children slightly exceeds that of White children in some data. Black and Hispanic children have caught up in diagnosis rates due to better outreach and access. Still, equitable services remain a focus, as minority children with autism often get diagnosed later and have less access to specialized care.
Half of autistic children aren’t identified by preschool. Only 50% of children with autism had a developmental evaluation by age 3. Autism can be reliably diagnosed by age 2, but many children—especially those in underserved communities—aren’t diagnosed until age 4 or later. Early screening and intervention are critical to help kids sooner.
Intellectual disability co-occurs in about 1 in 3 autistic people. Around 40% of autistic children also have an intellectual disability (significantly below-average IQ). About 1 in 4 fall in the borderline range, while 1 in 3 have average or above IQ. Autism is a spectrum—some individuals need substantial daily living support, while others attend college or work independently.
Many autistic people have other conditions. ADHD, anxiety, epilepsy, and gastrointestinal issues are commonly seen alongside autism. About 30–40% of autistic individuals also have ADHD, and anxiety disorders are very prevalent. Effective support often means treating autism and its related health challenges together.
School support is improving outcomes. About 3 in 4 autistic high school students now graduate with a regular diploma. Early intervention programs, inclusive classrooms, and IEP/504 plans are helping more autistic youth finish school, though graduation rates still lag behind the general population.

A flat-style infographic showing that 3 in 4 autistic high school students graduate with a regular diploma. The design includes students in caps and gowns, a large “74%” statistic, and professional blue/teal tones. — About 74% of autistic high school students now graduate with a regular diploma, reflecting progress in school support and inclusive education.

Autism Prevalence: A Sharp Rise and What It Means

Autism rates have climbed for two decades—from about 1 in 150 children around 2000 to roughly 1 in 31 among U.S. 8-year-olds today. This rise reflects better awareness, broader criteria, and stronger screening, not a sudden new cause. Autism is lifelong; about 5.4 million U.S. adults (2.2%) are on the spectrum.

What this means for society:

Schools: More students need IEPs, speech/OT, social-skills work, and sensory-friendly supports.
Healthcare: Greater demand for evaluations, therapy, and coordinated care.
Adulthood: Growth in college programs, job coaching, housing supports, and community inclusion.

A flat-style infographic showing U.S. autism prevalence in 2022. Large bold text highlights 32.2 per 1,000 children (3.22%), with a child illustration in blue/teal tones for a professional, modern look. — In **2022**, about **32.2 per 1,000 children (3.22%)** in the U.S. were identified with autism.

Early Screening and Diagnosis

Autism can be reliably diagnosed by age 2, yet many children aren’t identified until around 47 months. Only about 50% receive a developmental evaluation by age 3. Earlier identification opens the door to speech therapy, OT, and behavior supports during a critical window.

Why some kids are missed:

Symptoms can be subtle, especially without intellectual disability.
Access barriers: long waitlists, cost, distance, or limited specialists.
Cultural and language factors, or a “wait and see” approach in some settings.

What helps:

Routine screening at 18 and 24 months.
Clear referral pathways to early intervention and school evaluations.
Coaching for parents so strategies carry into daily life.

A flat-style infographic showing that only half of autistic children receive an evaluation by preschool age, with visuals of young children, building blocks, and a preschool classroom setting in bright, inviting colors. — Only about 50% of autistic children are identified by preschool age, even though early diagnosis can greatly improve outcomes.

Gender Disparities: Why Autism Diagnoses Skew Male

Boys are diagnosed 3–4× more often than girls. Part of the gap is detection: girls may camouflage difficulties or show quieter social challenges. Many are identified later, which can add stress and anxiety.

The trend is improving as tools better capture the female presentation. Clinicians and schools are learning to look beyond stereotypes so girls get timely support.

Infographic showing that autism is 3.4 times more common in boys (4.9%) than in girls (1.4%). Features simple male and female icons to visually compare prevalence rates — Autism is diagnosed about 3.4 times more often in boys than in girls, though many girls remain underdiagnosed.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Autism Diagnosis

Recent data show autism prevalence in Black, Hispanic, and Asian children now matches or even exceeds White peers in some areas—evidence that screening is reaching more families.
Gaps remain after diagnosis. Many minority families still face later identification, fewer nearby services, and longer waits.

What moves equity forward:

Multilingual outreach and culturally relevant education.
Partnerships with community clinics and schools.
Faster routes to evaluations and therapy in all neighborhoods.

Nearly **40% of autistic children also have an intellectual disability**, underscoring the wide range of support needs within the autism spectrum.

Co-Occurring Conditions and Autism

Autism often comes with other conditions. About ~40% of autistic children have intellectual disability, ~25% are borderline, and about ~1 in 3 have average or above IQ.
Common overlaps include ADHD (~30–40%), anxiety, epilepsy, sleep difficulties, and GI issues. A whole-person plan—medical, behavioral, educational—usually works best.

A digital infographic illustrating that 1 in 31 U.S. children aged 8 (3.2%) are identified with autism. The design features two smiling children, one girl and one boy, standing side by side in bright clothing against a blue background. — About 1 in 31 U.S. children aged 8 are identified with autism (3.2%), highlighting the importance of awareness and early support.

Educational Accommodations and Outcomes

Support starts early with home-based services and specialized preschool when needed. In K-12, IEPs may include speech/OT, social-skills instruction, sensory breaks, and behavior plans.
Inclusion is growing, with flexible options for students who need smaller settings. Graduation is trending up: about ~74% of autistic high-school students earn a regular diploma. Transition planning and vocational training help teens move toward college, work, and independent living.

Flat-style digital infographic showing that about 25% of autistic people develop seizures or epilepsy. — Around **25% of autistic individuals** experience seizures or epilepsy, highlighting the importance of integrated medical and developmental care.

Related Statistics on Our Blog

If you’re digging into the numbers, these companion posts are great next reads:

Anxiety Statistics (2025): https://www.southdenvertherapy.com/blog/anxiety-statistics-2025
Statistics Related to Mental Health Disorders (2025): https://www.southdenvertherapy.com/blog/statistics-related-to-mental-health-disorders-2025
Sex, Intimacy & Connection (2025): https://www.southdenvertherapy.com/blog/sex-intimacy-and-connection-2025
Relationship Statistics: Insights for Couples: https://www.southdenvertherapy.com/blog/relationship-statistics-insight-for-couples
How Couples Meet: Where Most Couples Find Love (2025): https://www.southdenvertherapy.com/blog/how-couples-meet-where-most-couples-find-love-2025

FAQs: Autism Statistics (2025)

1) How common is autism in kids now?
About 1 in 31 U.S. 8-year-olds are identified with autism.

2) Does autism go away?
No. Autism is lifelong. Supports change with age and needs.

3) How many adults are autistic?
Roughly 5.4 million adults (2.2%) in the U.S. are on the spectrum.

4) Why do the numbers look higher than years ago?
Mostly better awareness, broader criteria, and improved screening—not a brand-new epidemic.

5) When are most children diagnosed?
The median age is around 47 months, though reliable diagnosis is possible by age 2.

6) Are girls underdiagnosed?
Often, yes. Girls may show subtler signs or mask difficulties, leading to later diagnosis.

7) Are racial gaps closing?
Identification has become more equitable, but access to services after diagnosis still varies by community.

8) How common are other conditions with autism?
Very common. About ~40% have intellectual disability; ~30–40% also have ADHD. Anxiety and epilepsy are frequent.

9) Do school supports help outcomes?
Yes. With tailored accommodations, about ~74% of autistic students graduate with a regular diploma, and many succeed in college or careers.

10) What’s the best first step if I’m concerned?
Talk with your pediatrician, primary-care provider, or a licensed therapist for screening and referrals. Early action leads to better support.