In 2022, 290,900 Australians were identified as Autistic, accounting for 1.1% of the population. This marks a striking 41.8% increase from the 205,200 reported in 2018, underscoring a sharp rise in both diagnoses and understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in recent years. But behind these numbers lies a broader story of evolving awareness, shifting diagnostic criteria, and the growing societal recognition of what it means to be Autistic in today’s world.
For many, autism is still a misunderstood condition, often limited to assumptions about behaviour or communication difficulties. Yet, the increasing number of diagnoses signals a changing perspective—one that reflects not only growing medical knowledge but also greater societal openness in acknowledging neurological differences. Autism affects each individual differently, with challenges and strengths varying across the spectrum. It’s this complexity that continues to drive conversations about how to support and include Autistic people in everyday life.
When breaking down the data, it becomes clear that autism predominantly affects younger Australians, with those under 25 years making up 3.1% of the population. This contrasts sharply with the 0.3% prevalence among people aged 25 and over. The gap may partly be due to earlier diagnosis and greater awareness among younger generations, but it also highlights that older Australians might have been overlooked or misdiagnosed in the past.
One of the key takeaways from this data is the difference between males and females in autism prevalence. In 2022, males were more than twice as likely to be diagnosed as Autistic than females—1.6% of males compared to 0.7% of females. While this is still a significant disparity, it reflects a slight narrowing of the gender gap compared to 2018, when males were over three times as likely to be diagnosed. Notably, the largest increase has been among young females, with 3.2% of females aged 10-14 identified as Autistic in 2022, compared to just 1.2% in 2018.
This surge in diagnoses among younger females is particularly interesting, as it may signal a change in how autism presents and is recognised across genders. Historically, many young girls may have been underdiagnosed due to different socialisation patterns or subtler signs of autism. But with growing awareness, it appears that more girls are receiving the support and recognition they need.
While these numbers may point to progress in diagnosing autism, they also shed light on the challenges Autistic Australians face. Nearly three-quarters (73.0%) of Autistic individuals reported having a profound or severe disability, a figure that underscores the significant level of support needed in daily life. Communication, mobility, and self-care are areas where many Autistic people require assistance, with 82.4% reporting limitations in at least one core activity.
Educational attainment is another area where the data highlights gaps. Only 45.1% of Autistic people aged 15 years and over have completed Year 12 or an equivalent qualification. While this figure rises to 67.6% among those aged 20-24, it still lags behind the national average. Even more concerning is the low percentage of Autistic people who pursue higher education—just 5.2% have a Bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to 35.3% of non-Autistic Australians.
The workplace presents similar challenges. While 42.2% of Autistic people of working age were employed in 2022, this is still a modest figure when compared to the 84.9% of non-Autistic people in the workforce. The unemployment rate for Autistic individuals stands at 18.2%, nearly six times higher than that of non-Autistic Australians. This disparity highlights the barriers many Autistic people face when trying to enter the workforce, from a lack of suitable job opportunities to the need for ongoing support.
Despite these challenges, there have been some improvements. The employment rate for Autistic people has risen from 27.3% in 2018 to 42.2% in 2022, showing progress in workplace inclusion efforts. Yet, the part-time employment rate remains high, at 29.8%, suggesting that many Autistic people may still struggle to find full-time roles that meet their needs.
Education and employment are vital aspects of social inclusion, but they are not the only areas where Autistic people face barriers. Many Autistic individuals report needing assistance with daily tasks, whether it’s communication, mobility, or self-care. In 2022, 59.7% of Autistic people required significant help with communication, up from 44.1% in 2018, reflecting the ongoing need for better support systems. Meanwhile, 60.4% required assistance with mobility, a figure that remains similar to previous years.
Autistic children, in particular, face unique challenges in school environments. In 2022, 97.3% of Autistic children aged 5-20 years reported having an educational restriction, with 45.3% attending a special class or school. For many of these children, fitting in socially and managing communication difficulties remain significant hurdles. More than half (53.4%) reported struggling to fit in socially, and 51.0% experienced communication difficulties.
Support at school is critical, yet it appears many Autistic students are not receiving the help they need. Over a third (35.4%) of Autistic students required special tuition, and 34.3% needed help from a counsellor or disability support person. Worryingly, one in five Autistic students (20.9%) reported not receiving any additional assistance, pointing to gaps in the education system that need to be addressed.
So, what does this data really tell us? On one hand, it shows that more Australians are being diagnosed with autism, a sign of growing awareness and understanding. On the other hand, it highlights the challenges that remain—particularly in education, employment, and daily life support. The sharp rise in diagnoses might suggest that we’re only scratching the surface when it comes to understanding autism and its impact on individuals and society.
For Australia’s Autistic community, these figures are a call for action. The data reflects a population that is growing in visibility but still faces significant barriers to inclusion. Schools, workplaces, and broader society need to step up and ensure that Autistic people have the support and opportunities they deserve.
Autism is not a trend or a label to be tacked onto a diagnosis. It’s a diverse and varied experience that touches the lives of hundreds of thousands of Australians. And as the numbers continue to rise, so too must our efforts to create a more inclusive world where every Autistic person can thrive.
This latest data is a reminder that progress is being made, but there is still a long way to go. As awareness grows, so too does the responsibility to ensure that Autistic people are not just recognised but supported in every aspect of life—from education to employment and beyond.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
In 2022, 290.9K Australians were identified as #Autistic, reflecting a 41.8% increase since 2018. This surge highlights growing awareness but also ongoing challenges in #education & #employment. 📊📚 Your thoughts on this rising trend? 🤝✨ #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/hz6tf1nxiD
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) October 13, 2024
Donate To The Indian Sun
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun is an independent organisation committed to community journalism. We have, through the years, been able to reach a wide audience especially with the growth of social media, where we also have a strong presence. With platforms such as YouTube videos, we have been able to engage in different forms of storytelling. However, the past few years, like many media organisations around the world, it has not been an easy path. We have a greater challenge. We believe community journalism is very important for a multicultural country like Australia. We’re not able to do everything, but we aim for some of the most interesting stories and journalism of quality. We call upon readers like you to support us and make any contribution. Do make a DONATION NOW so we can continue with the volume and quality journalism that we are able to practice.
Thank you for your support.
Best wishes,
Team The Indian Sun
