What Country Has the Highest Rate of Autism? A Global Prevalence

The rate of autism spectrum disorder diagnoses continues to climb around the globe. The rising autism prevalence is also contributing to increased awareness and curiosity about the autism spectrum as a whole. And it raises the question, what country has the highest rate of autism?

Autism rates seem to vary significantly from country to country. But knowing why autism rates vary is just as important as knowing that they do. Having a lower reported prevalence of autism doesn’t necessarily mean there is a smaller percentage of people on the autism spectrum.

What country has the highest rate of autism?

According to the latest available data from World Population Review, Singapore has the highest prevalence of autism spectrum disorder, with 1,460 in every 100 thousand people being diagnosed. However, that data comes from 2021. Since this data has been made public, individual countries have also tracked their own autism spectrum disorder rates. 

In its 2025 report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States has identified a rate of every 1 in 31 children diagnosed with autism in that country based on numbers from 2022. So, autism prevalence rates can vary depending on the source.

It should be noted that having a higher prevalence of autism doesn’t necessarily mean there is a higher percentage of people on the spectrum in these countries, but that a higher percentage of the autistic population has been identified and diagnosed. Differing diagnostic criteria and better awareness of autism spectrum disorder may contribute to these higher rates.

What other countries have the highest autism rates?

Using the World Population Review’s data, the top ten countries for prevalence of autism worldwide include:

1. Singapore – 1,460 in every 100,000
2. South Korea – 1,450 in every 100,000
3. Japan – 1,450 in every 100,000
4. Brunei – 1,390 in every 100,000
5. Australia – 1,160 in every 100,000
6. New Zealand – 1,140 in every 100,000
7. Canada – 1,070 in every 100,000
8. Chile – 1,060 in every 100,000
9. United States – 1,050 in every 100,000
10. Ireland – 1,040 in every 100,000

The same date revealed Bangladesh has the lowest autism rate recorded in the world with 594 in every 100 thousand people receiving an autism diagnosis. Other countries around the world with low autism prevalence include Brazil, Paraguay, China, Nepal, Haiti, Indonesia, Bhutan, Pakistan and the US Virgin Islands.

Why do some countries report higher autism rates?

So, why is there such a disparity between the countries with the higher prevalence of autism compared to ones with a lower prevalence of autism? The prevalence in those countries may not actually be greater, they may just see a higher number of reported autism rates. Some countries may have increased autism awareness programs, improved diagnostic services and criteria, and more access to services.

These countries may see more acceptance of autism spectrum disorder as a viable diagnosis, as well support systems that can help autistic children. They may also be more likely to test for genetic or environmental factors that may be linked to autism spectrum disorder.

Countries with low reported autism rates: Does it mean fewer autistic people?

For countries with a lower autism prevalence rate, it doesn’t necessarily translate to fewer cases of autism. There may be cultural factors and beliefs that prevent certain kinds of autism testing. Parents may be less likely to seek an autism diagnosis due to these cultural beliefs. Also, the diagnostic practices in these countries may be different, leading to autism cases being either over or under reported.

Socioeconomic factors may also contribute to autism prevalence in a country. Those with lower rates may have less access to healthcare systems and diagnostic services that would help identify autistic children.

Why autism awareness and early diagnosis matter worldwide

As the global prevalence of autism spectrum disorder continues to rise, it’s becoming more vital to advocate for early autism diagnosis and increased awareness and acceptance. Increased awareness can lead to the following:

• addressed global disparities while advocating for change
• more early intervention and improved outcomes
• reduced stigma surrounding autism, and a more inclusive society
• support services for families and individuals with autism spectrum disorder

Early intervention

Early intervention can go a long way in helping with the brain development in autistic children. Brains are highly adaptable in early childhood, so interventions can capitalize on this adaptability to help address development.

Reducing stigma

Advocating for awareness and acceptance can help challenge misconceptions and stereotypes that surround the complex neurodevelopmental disorder. Learning more about autism spectrum disorder can help break down barriers for children diagnosed with autism and foster empathy to promote a more inclusive society.

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Supporting families

An early diagnosis can help families find autism services, support systems, and therapies, such as occupational therapy, that may be tailored to their child’s specific needs. Awareness can also empower parents with the knowledge and resources necessary to best advocate for their children.

Addressing global disparities

Early diagnosis and increased awareness can also address a litany of disparities worldwide. It can address stigma due to cultural beliefs, limited resources, lack of trained healthcare professionals, and long wait lists. It can also help countries develop diagnostic practices that respect cultural differences and increase support services. Addressing these global disparities can drive policy changes that promote early childhood screening and improve healthcare systems.

Understanding autism statistics across the world

The global prevalence of autism may vary significantly from country to country, but autism exists around the world. Several factors may influence autism rates in each country. These include cultural factors, healthcare services, and differing diagnostic criteria.

It’s important to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorder to help encourage acceptance. Awareness and acceptance can encourage improvements to healthcare systems and provide greater support services for individuals with autism.

FAQs

Q: What countries have high autism rates?

A: Several countries have been identified as having high autism rates through different organizations. These include the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, South Korea and Singapore.

Q: Is autism higher in the US or Europe?

A: There seems to be a higher prevalence of autism in the United States compared to Europe. A study by the National Institutes of Health found the autism prevalence in the US to be 1.01%. The same study found autism prevalence to be 0.73% in Europe. Some factors contributing to the higher autism rates may include diagnostic practices, access to autism services, environmental factors and genetic factors.

Q: What is the most autism-friendly city in the world?

A: It can be very difficult to determine the most autism-friendly city in the world, but several cities have been highlighted for their autism inclusion. Phoenix, Arizona in the United States is often cited as an example of an autism-friendly city. Mesa, Arizona was recognized as the first Autism Certified City in the US. Other cities that have been cited as autism-friendly included London and Singapore.