Statistics

Below are some statistics illustrating the prevalence of autism and how education needs are being served.

700,000

There are 700,000* autistic people in the UK – that’s more than 1 in 100. If you include their families, autism is a part of daily life for 2.8 million people.[1]

*although recent research based on under-diagnosis has estimated there could be more than 1.2 million autistic people in England alone.[2]

30%

Just 30% of autistic adults in the UK are in any form of paid employment.[3] This is amongst the lowest rates of employment for people with additional needs or disabilities.

3x

Autism is 3 times more prevalent in boys than girls.[4] Signs of autism in girls can present themselves differently and as a result can be misdiagnosed or missed leading to more boys getting a diagnosis.

31.3%

31.3% of pupils with EHCPs have autism listed as their primary type of need.[5] That works out as 103,400 pupils and is the most common type of need listed among EHCPs in the UK.

7 in 10

Seven in ten autistic children and young adults said school would be better if more teachers understood autism.[6]

10 stick men, 7 coloured in purple, 3 in orange

£32bn

Each year the UK spends around £32bn in care and lost earnings to support autistic children and adults. With the right early intervention and support autistic people can live more independently.[7]

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