Understanding the landscape of services and supports for autistic people across the U.S. can be challenging. Often, this information is scattered in databases and reports that can be hard to find and access for the average person.
Autism by the Numbers was created by Autism Speaks in collaboration with Drexel University’s National Autism Data Center to provide a full picture of how well states across the U.S. are serving autistic people. This interactive dashboard is informed by the needs of autistic individuals, families, advocates, and policymakers to better understand what autism services look like across the country.
For the first time, users can get a view of select autism services, outcomes and policies from each state in a single dashboard. Whether you are seeking to understand gaps in local services, considering a move to another state, or looking for information to better advocate for autism services in your state, Autism by the Numbers is a helpful tool.
We will continue to add new information to this dashboard in annual updates. Please check back regularly.
If you want to learn more about a topic, click on the accordion menus below. This will open a list of dashboards with information about all 50 states and Washington D.C. To view data about a state: Click on the state you are interested in and then click on or hover your mouse over your state. This will provide additional information about your specific state!
This dashboard uses a variety of identity language to describe neurodiverse individuals. Person-first language (e.g., person with intellectual disabilities) is used in recognition of the preference of some individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their family members. However, many autistic individuals have strong convictions about identity-first language (e.g., autistic woman). Therefore, we often use identity-first language throughout this dashboard. The use of one type of identity language is not meant to convey disrespect for others; the variety of language recognizes and celebrates this important diversity in core identities across the autism community.
This series of dashboards breaks down the numbers for parents of autistic children looking to learn more about the special education landscape across the country, autism prevalence, diagnosis and service timing and disciplinary frequency.
Click on the links below to choose the dashboard you would like to view.
- How often do students receive special education for autism?
- How common is autism?
- How early does diagnosis happen?
- How early do first formal services begin?
- How often do schools use disciplinary actions with special education students who have autism?
- How is the cost of healthcare for children with autism changing over time?
- What are the costs of common services related to autism?
This series of dashboards looks at special education services for emergent autistic adults, they provide information and data about graduation rates, and vocational rehabilitation services.
Click on the links below to choose the dashboard you would like to view.
This dashboard provides data on employment after participation in vocational rehabilitation services.
Click on the link below to choose the dashboard you would like to view.
This series of dashboards explores policies across a number of indicators including Medicaid home and community-based services waivers as well as ABA regulation.
Click on the links below to choose the dashboard you would like to view.
The below dashboards highlight different topics, one per dashboard. The below dashboard combines several topics to give a state overview in a handful of areas. Click on a state to see a snapshot overview of some key stats all in one place. Not all topics are included in this dashboard, so make sure to check out the above dashboards for a more complete picture.
