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• More refined analysis (across 66 population studies) suggests a rate of 0.77%, or 1 in
130
This means autism is not rare — and as diagnostic tools improve, more adults are also being

identified, including many already in the workforce.

3. Diagnostic Trends

The rise in autism diagnoses over the past decades doesn’t necessarily mean more people
have autism — it reflects:

• Better diagnostic tools
• Expanded diagnostic criteria

• Greater public and professional awareness

This shift challenges us to adapt our workplaces, training, and services to be inclusive — not
reactive.

Slide 20:

Trainer’s Notes:

This slide helps build a more nuanced understanding of autism as a spectrum — not just one

set of traits, but a wide range of experiences, strengths, and support needs.

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Project Number 2023-1-IT01-KA220-VET-000152721