This disorder takes center stage.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is now recognized as one of the top ten health concerns for individuals under 20 years old, according to a recent study published in The Lancet Psychiatry. Researchers estimate that nearly 62 million people globally were living with autism in 2021. The study, led by Damian Santomauro of the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, found that approximately one in 127 people worldwide in 2021 were autistic. This places ASD as a significant contributor to the non-fatal health burden among children and adolescents.
The findings emphasize the importance of early diagnosis, which enables timely intervention and therapy to improve lifelong outcomes for those on the spectrum. Researchers also highlighted the need to address the needs of autistic adults, who are often underrepresented in studies and underserved in terms of resources and care. They urged that a comprehensive approach is necessary to support individuals with autism across all stages of life.
For children with autism, events like Christmas and New Year’s can be particularly stressful due to sensory overload from noises, bright lights, and disruptions to their usual routines, noted David Boehme, a teaching assistant in Germany. Such challenges underscore the importance of understanding and accommodating the unique needs of autistic individuals during festive occasions.
The study analyzed data from 105 studies across 33 countries and revealed a notable increase in autism rates. The prevalence rose from one in 271 people in 2019 to one in 127 in 2021. However, this rise is attributed largely to improvements in diagnostic methods and data collection rather than an actual increase in cases. Unlike the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which estimates that one in 36 children in the U.S. has autism, the study employed broader criteria, potentially inflating prevalence estimates.
Gender differences were also observed, with autism being twice as common in males compared to females, although this is lower than the CDC’s finding that autism is nearly four times more prevalent in boys. Additionally, the study noted that autism rates tend to decline with age, further underscoring the need for early detection programs and improved diagnostic tools. Researchers emphasized prioritizing resources for low- and middle-income countries, caregiver support, and tailored services to address the evolving needs of autistic individuals throughout their lives.
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