​Autism spectrum disorder is a leading cause of non-fatal health burden, says study

Autism Spectrum Disorder

(ASD) is ranked in the top 10 causes of

non-fatal health burden

among young people under the age of 20, according to a new study. A recent study published in The Lancet Psychiatry revealed that nearly 62 million people, which is one in every 127 individuals, were estimated to be on the autism spectrum worldwide in 2021. The study was conducted as part of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors (GBD), in 2021.
The findings also shed light on the stark disparities, including the global prevalence of ASD being significantly higher among males. There are 1,065 cases per 100,000 males. This number is alarming considering that it is almost the double global prevalence among females (508 per 100,000 females).

The number of cases also varied according to the region. For instance, high-income regions such as Asia Pacific, including Japan, recorded the highest prevalence globally, with 1,560 per 100,000 people, but tropical Latin America and Bangladesh reported the lowest. Autistic people are present globally across all age groups despite the differences in sex and region, with rising

disability-adjusted life-years

(DALYs) due to population growth.

The findings also emphasize the urgent need for detecting autism early and supporting autistic people and their caregivers worldwide. The study also suggested that in order to tackle this global health burden, it is important to prioritize resources for early detection programs, especially by enhancing diagnostic tools. It is particularly important for adults and individuals in low- and middle-income countries, where access to care, caregiver support, and services tailored to the evolving needs of autistic individuals across their lifespan may be limited. Also, expanding geographic data coverage and implementing targeted interventions to address comorbidities and mortality risks, such as suicide, are pivotal in this process.

What is ASD?

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. This developmental condition is characterized by persistent difficulties in social communication and interaction, challenges in sensory processing, repetitive behaviours, interests, or activities, and in some instances intellectual disability, all of which occur at varying levels of severity. People with this disorder are at high risk of social isolation, academic or employment difficulties, and require psychosocial support into adulthood. Diagnosing ASD early can improve the lives of such individuals.
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