The global prevalence of autism spectrum disorder: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the serious developmental disorders that is usually diagnosed below the age of three years. Although the severity of the disease’s symptoms varies from patient to patient, the ability to communicate with others is affected in all forms of ASD. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ASD in high-risk groups by continent. Methods The present study was conducted by systematic review and meta-analysis from 2008 to July 2021. Databases such as Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, SID, Magiran, Web of Science (WoS), and Google Scholar from 2008 to July 2021 were searched to find related studies. Data were analysed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (Version 2). Results A total of 74 studies with 30,212,757 participants were included in this study. The prevalence of ASD in the world was 0.6% (95% confidence interval: 0.4–1%). Subgroup analyses indicated that the prevalence of ASD in Asia, America, Europe, Africa and Australia was 0.4% (95% CI: 0.1–1), 1% (95% CI: 0.8–1.1), 0.5% (95% CI: 0.2–1), 1% (95% CI: 0.3–3.1), 1.7% (95% CI: 0.5–6.1) respectively. Conclusion ASD imposes a heavy health burden on communities around the world. Early detection of ASD can reduce the incidence of developmental disorders and improve patients’ communication skills. Therefore, health policymakers need to be aware of the prevalence and increasing trend of ASD to implement appropriate planning and interventions to reduce its consequences.

Association between eating pattern and food neophobia in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Parents' perceptions

“…Foods high in sugar and fat are more frequently associated with addictive snacking, which is associated with the desensitization of opioid and dopamine receptors that mimic the neural affirmation of tolerance and dependence. 2 Various studies have reported a relationship between the amount of sugar consumption and hyperactive behavior in children with such as autism spectrum disorder. It is because simple carbohydrate sugars, a fuel source, enter the blood quickly after consumption, triggering an adrenaline rush.…”

“…The average prevalence of ASD in Asia, Europe, and North America is estimated at 1%. 2 Many sufferers need the help of other people for life. Children with ASD are unique in their eating patterns and oral hygiene habits, resulting in impaired dental and oral health.…”

“…9 Food Neophobia (FN) is a tendency to refuse or try unknown foods. 2 FN is a component of food selectivity caused by withdrawal syndrome or addiction to certain foods due to the non-optimal role of enzymes in digesting specific polypeptides such as gluten and casein. 13 Epidemiological studies of nutrition explain that diet describes the overall diet, such as food, variety of food, frequency, and quantity commonly consumed.…”

Prevalence of Pediatric Autism Spectrum Disorder in Korea Using National Statistics Including the COVID-19 Pandemic, 2011 to 2021

“…Children and ado-lescents were stratified into three age groups (2-5, 6-12, and 13-18 years). Although ASD is sometimes diagnosed as early as the age of 18 to 24 months, the authors did not analyze those under the age of 2 [1,12].…”

The global prevalence of autism spectrum disorder: A three-level meta-analysis

“…In addition to time trends, there are other sources of heterogeneity, such as geographical region, country income, implemented study design, diagnostic criteria used, age of the studied population, and other socio-demographic factors (18)(19)(20). The complex interaction between these factors makes obtaining a reliable, unified worldwide prevalence estimate challenging.…”