Current Aspects of Autism Prevalence Among Children of Different Age Groups

Abstract

Introduction. Knowledge of the prevalence of autism in children is a prerequisite for the organization of medical and social care for this population of patients. Aim: to determine the prevalence of autism among the children of the Russian Federation of different age groups according to official statistics. Materials and methods. An analysis of official data on the incidence and prevalence of disability in autism in children of different age groups (0-4 years, 5-9, 10-14 and 15-17 years) for the period 2016-2018 was carried out. The share of autism in the structure of morbidity and disability caused by mental disorders and behavioral disorders was determined. Results. There has been an increase in cases of autism diagnosis among the child population, extremely significant among adolescents aged 15-17. The age structure of autism cases has changed - the proportion of children aged 0-4, 5-9 and the proportion of adolescents aged 15-17 has significantly decreased. The prevalence of autism-related disability compared to morbidity has not increased as significantly. Its highest rates were among children aged 5-9. Due to the sharp increase in autism cases, the proportion of persons with disabilities among them has decreased several times. The incidence of autism in the structure of morbidity and disability caused by mental disorders and behavioral disorders in children aged 0-17 has increased. Conclusion. The obtained data can be used in the organization of medical and social care for children suffering from autism. The need for special epidemiological studies to determine the true prevalence of autism in children seems relevant.