Autism Statistics Australia: A Practical Guide for Australians

Autism prevalence in Australia

The most recent national count comes from the ABS Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers, released on 11 October 2024 (ABS).

Why is autism increasing in Australia?

The ABS count rose between 2018 and 2022, and the gap between males and females narrowed. The figures show who was counted; they do not explain why by themselves.

• Read the change as a count of people identified as autistic in the survey, not as proof that a single cause is at work.
• Notice that males were over three times as likely as females to be autistic in 2018, but just over twice as likely in 2022.
• Look at the history of how autism has been described and assessed in our history of autism guide.
• Read what causes autism and is autism genetic for what research says about origins.

Why is autism more common now?

A single statistic cannot explain why autism seems more common now. Use these questions to read any new headline carefully.

• Check who was counted: a survey of the whole population, a diagnosis register or a school-age study can give very different results.
• Check the year, because a figure from the early 2000s describes a different time from the 2022 ABS count.
• Check how autism was defined, since descriptions of autism have changed over time (see the autism and neurodiversity guide for how the language has shifted).
• Ask whether the study counted adults as well as children, and which age groups it covered.

TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.

Autism rates by country

You will see autism rates by country in news stories and social media, but they rarely compare like with like. The figures in this guide are Australian, from the ABS survey and NDIS reports.

To read international research, start with Autism CRC or Raising Children Network, which explain the evidence for Australian families.

Autism statistics Australia 2025 and the latest data

The newest national population count is still the 2022 survey, published by the ABS on 11 October 2024. Newer NDIS figures show how many participants have autism as their primary disability.

• As at 30 June 2026, autism was the primary disability on 350,651 active NDIS plans nationally, which is 45% of all 782,013 active plans (NDIS Quarterly Report).
• New South Wales had 99,512 active plans with autism as the primary disability, which is 43% of its plans.
• Victoria had 92,677 active plans with autism as the primary disability, which is 44% of its plans.
• Treat NDIS numbers as a count of active plans with autism as the primary disability; they come from a different source from the ABS survey.

Autism statistics Australia by sex and support needs

The ABS also reports how much help autistic people need in daily life. This is where the phrase “moderate autism” comes up, but support needs vary from person to person and over time.

• Describe a person’s support needs by the activities they want help with, rather than relying on labels such as moderate autism.
• Keep a simple diary of daily support needs before an NDIS planning meeting, so you can describe real routines.

Autism and health: what the research says

An Autism CRC study from February 2019 followed a large group of autistic people aged 5 to 64 in NSW between 2001 and 2015 (Autism CRC).

• The study found autistic people had double the comparative mortality rate of the general population.
• The most common causes were injury or poisoning, including accident and suicide.
• Nervous system disorders such as epilepsy were the next most common cause.
• Talk to your GP about health checks, safety planning and mental health support that suit you or your child.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. If anyone is in immediate danger, call 000.

Autism statistics Australia and the NDIS

NDIS funding is available only if you meet the NDIS access requirements. Our autism funding guide explains how evidence is used.

1. 1Collect your assessment reports. Gather the reports you already have about how autism affects daily life.
2. 2Check the access requirements. Read the NDIS eligibility page before you apply so you know what the NDIA asks for.
3. 3Write down daily support needs. Note what you or your child need help with each day, and how often.
4. 4Call a free helpline. Autism Connect on 1300 308 699 can talk through options, and it is funded by the Australian Government (Amaze).

Read is autism a disability to see how autism is treated under disability law and schemes. The ADHD Guideline also notes that children and adolescents with autism have a significantly higher risk of ADHD; our ADHD statistics guide covers those numbers.

When to talk to a GP or specialist

• You are worried about how a child communicates, plays or responds to sounds, touch or changes in routine.
• You are an adult who suspects you may be autistic and want to ask about a referral for assessment.
• An autistic person in your family has new changes in sleep, mood, eating or seizure activity that worry you.
• You need reports to support an NDIS access request or a school adjustment plan.
• You feel overwhelmed as a carer; call Lifeline on 13 11 14, and call 000 in an emergency.

TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.

Your next step

If you or your family have an autistic member and want practical help, TQN Care can support daily life with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home. We provide support, not treatment, and we will listen to what matters to you first. Browse our NDIS services, or start with a referral using the box above.