Published: 09:32 BST, 14 August 2026 | Updated: 12:42 BST, 14 August 2026
Autism diagnoses in England have risen to record highs, with more than 23,000 people told they have the disorder in the past year.
Roughly 52 per cent more people have been diagnosed in the 12 months up to June this year, compared to 15,340 diagnoses in the previous 12 months, according to NHS data.
A further 300,000 people in England are awaiting an assessment for suspected autism – four times the number in 2021.
And more than half of the new diagnoses are in children.
The striking figures follow a recent warning from autism research pioneer Professor Dame Uta Frith that many people diagnosed with the disorder may not actually have it.
In a damning paper published in the journal Psychological Medicine, the expert said 'anyone' can have autism nowadays, adding it has become a 'catch-all' diagnosis for other psychological problems.
The definition of autism has become 'too broad' as a result of 'misleading' ideas spread on social media, she added.
Earlier this week pop star Robbie Williams became the latest of a series of celebrities to disclose his diagnosis of autism – which causes problems with development and learning.
Robbie Williams revealed he was diagnosed with autism, exclusively reported by the Daily Mail
Speaking during a Q&A at the Autumn/Winter launch of his clothing brand Hopeium at Flannels, Robbie said he has 'a little bit of autism' and uses the disorder as a 'get-out-of-jail-free card'.
With the new 23,345 last year, it is estimated more than 700,000 Britons have been diagnosed with autism.
In 2021, researchers found that diagnoses had increased by a startling 787 per cent in the UK between 1998 and 2018, which some experts have argued is due to better awareness and understanding.
The Daily Mail's interactive graphic reveals which NHS Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) – bodies responsible for the health service in a local area – have made the most diagnoses over the past year.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside ICB led the way with 4,470 patients diagnosed between June 2025 and June 2026.
