Global Prevalence of Autism and Other Pervasive Developmental Disorders

Abstract

We provide a systematic review of epidemiological surveys of autistic disorder and pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) worldwide. A secondary aim was to consider the possible impact of geographic, cultural/ethnic, and socioeconomic factors on prevalence estimates and on clinical presentation of PDD. Based on the evidence reviewed, the median of prevalence estimates of autism spectrum disorders was 62/10 000. While existing estimates are variable, the evidence reviewed does not support differences in PDD prevalence by geographic region nor of a strong impact of ethnic/cultural or socioeconomic factors. However, power to detect such effects is seriously limited in existing data sets, particularly in low‐income countries. While it is clear that prevalence estimates have increased over time and these vary in different neighboring and distant regions, these findings most likely represent broadening of the diagnostic concets, diagnostic switching from other developmental disabilities to PDD, service availability, and awareness of autistic spectrum disorders in both the lay and professional public. The lack of evidence from the majority of the world's population suggests a critical need for further research and capacity building in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Autism Res 2012, 5: 160–179. © 2012 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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“…Recent epidemiological studies on global prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) revealed that the estimate increased over time with a median prevalence of 62/10,000, indicating that worldwide one in 160 children has ASD (Elsabbagh et al 2012;World Health Organization 2017). These children and their families risk facing social stigma, isolation, and discrimination (World Health Organization 2014).…”

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“…1 Current prevalence estimates of ASD range from 6.2 to 14.7 per 1,000 children, with 30 to 40% in the intellectually disabled range. 2,3 Young children with ASD consistently show deficits in activities of daily living (toileting, dressing, use of utensils and play skills). Adaptive functioning in children with ASD as measured on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales is lower than predicted by IQ.…”

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“…Autism is generally more frequent in societies occupying higher latitudes, with northern European descent populations have higher rates of autism than those of southern European descent (Elsabbagh et al 2012). In turn, autism rates are notably higher amongst non-Hispanic than Hispanic communities in the US (Palmer et al 2010).…”