Time Trends Over 16 Years in Incidence-Rates of Autism Spectrum Disorders Across the Lifespan Based on Nationwide Danish Register Data

Abstract

This study investigated time trends and associated factors of incidence rates of diagnosed autism spectrum disorders (ASD) across the lifespan from 1995 to 2010, using data from the Danish Psychiatric Central Research Registry. First time diagnosis of childhood autism, atypical autism, Asperger's syndrome, or pervasive developmental disorder-unspecified (PDD-NOS) were identified, incidence rates were calculated, and data were fitted using non-linear least squares methods. A total of 14.997 patients were identified and incidence rates for ASD increased from 9.0 to 38.6 per 100,000 person years during the 16-year period. The increases were most pronounced in females, adolescents, adults, and patients with Asperger's syndrome and PDD-NOS.

Time Trends in Lifetime Incidence Rates of First-Time Diagnosed Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Across 16 Years in Danish Psychiatric Hospitals

“…However, after adjusting for the trends for any mental disorder, the increases in incidence rates were modified substantially, indicating that they were not specific to affective disorders. In fact, parallel trends in first-time diagnosed ADHD 41 and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) 42 have been documented, with incidence rates of diagnosed ADHD increasing from 7.3 to 91.2 per 100,000 PY and incidence rates of diagnosed ASD increasing from 9.0 to 38.6 per 100,000 PY for the same population and time period under investigation as in the present study. These trends were mainly driven by an increased number of children, adolescents, and young adults receiving diagnoses.…”

Gender ratio in a clinical population sample, age of diagnosis and duration of assessment in children and adults with autism spectrum disorder

“…There are few nationwide studies reporting on the diagnosis of ASD in adults but there is some evidence of changing practice over time leading to a greater female representation in recent years (Jensen et al, 2014). This study looking at consecutively referred cases could indicate changing practice and improving identification of females with ASD in adulthood.…”

“…Jensen et al (2014) studied ASD incidence rates across the lifespan and identified a reduction from 5:1 to 3:1 between 1995 and 2010.…”

A pilot study: a computer game-based assessment of visual perspective taking of four children with autism with high support needs

“…On the other hand the gender ratio in ASD is skewed towards boys (Fombonne 2009;Jensen, Steinhausen, and Lauritsen 2014;Rutherford et al 2016). We also did not dwell on the technology (Kinect) per se, as our contention was not to change it as it was found to work in a previous study (Mäkelä, Bednarik, and Tukiainen 2013).…”