A new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry finds that one in 127 people globally—approximately 61.8 million individuals—are on the autism spectrum, nearly doubling previous estimates.

The research, conducted by Australian institutions including the University of Queensland and the University of Sydney, used 2021 data to provide updated figures.

The findings highlight a significant gender disparity, with autism prevalence twice as high in men compared to women. This gap is attributed to delayed or missed diagnoses in girls, whose symptoms may present differently, as well as potential genetic factors.