HQ Team
December 30, 2024: The global prevalence and health burden of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are high, according to a review published in The Lancet Psychiatry.
The study, conducted by researchers led by Damian Santomauro, Ph.D., from the University of Queensland, reveals alarming statistics regarding the number of individuals affected by autism and the associated disability burden.
According to the study, an estimated 61.8 million individuals were identified as being on the autism spectrum globally in 2021. This translates to a global age-standardized prevalence rate of 788.3 per 100,000 people, which equates to approximately 1 in 127 individuals worldwide. The prevalence rates varied significantly between genders, with 1,064.7 males and 508.1 females diagnosed per 100,000 people, indicating that autism is nearly four times more common in boys than in girls.
The research highlights that ASD accounted for approximately 11.5 million disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) globally, representing a significant nonfatal health burden. This equates to about 147.6 DALYs per 100,000 people, with variations observed across different regions. For instance, age-standardized DALY rates ranged from 126.5 to 204.1 per 100,000 people in Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania.
Lifespan impact of autism
The study also examined how the burden of autism evolves over a person’s lifespan. Notably, DALYs were highest among children younger than five years old at 169.2 DALYs per 100,000 people, with rates decreasing as age increased—163.4 for those under 20 years and 137.7 for adults aged 20 years or older. For individuals under 20 years, ASD was ranked among the top 10 causes of nonfatal health burden, highlighting its significant impact on young populations.
The authors of the study emphasize that these findings should serve as a foundation for future research and policy interventions aimed at addressing the unique needs of autistic individuals. Dr Santomauro stated, “We hope this study provides a foundation for future research and policy interventions so that key stakeholders work to ensure that the unique needs of all autistic people are met.”
Challenges in diagnosis and awareness
The increase in reported prevalence rates can be attributed to several factors, including rise in community awareness, improved diagnostic criteria, and better access to healthcare services.
What looks like an autism surge is attributable largely to external advances in the ability to understand and characterize the condition. Although researchers can’t rule out that more children today than in the past develop signs of autism, there’s currently no good evidence to support this.
Sarabeth Broder-Fingert, MD, a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) autism subcommittee, said there was a shift in awareness and acceptance that underlies the ongoing increase in autism prevalence.
“[W]e are doing a better job identifying kids early,” Kristin Sohl, MD, a professor of clinical child health at the University of Missouri, told JAMA in an interview.
However, disparities still exist based on geographic location and socioeconomic status, complicating efforts to achieve equitable healthcare access for all autistic individuals.
The findings underscore the pressing need for enhanced public health strategies to address the growing prevalence and associated burden of autism spectrum disorder globally.