Autism spectrum disorder (also simply termed autism) is a persistent developmental disorder, characterised by symptoms evident from early childhood. In 2015, an estimated 164,000 people had autism, representing about 1 in 150 Australians. In 2014–15, around 43,500 people with autism accessed disability support services under the National Disability Agreement (NDA).

  • Cat. no: WEB 187
Findings from this report:
  • 164,000 Australians had autism in 2015

  • 83% of Australians with autism were aged under 25

  • Males were 4 times as likely as females to have autism

  • 43,500 NDA service users had autism