The epidemiology and global burden of autism spectrum disorders

Bibliographic Data

ID23367408
AuthorsAmanda Baxter (0000-0001-8198-9022, Queensland Health, corresponding author), A J Baxter, Traolach Brugha (0000-0002-9786-9591, University of Leicester), T S Brugha, Holly E Erskine (0000-0003-3119-9211, Queensland Health), Roman Scheurer (0000-0003-2482-7953, Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research), R W Scheurer, Theo Vos (0000-0002-5690-5365, Queensland Health), John G Scott (0000-0002-0744-0688, The University of Queensland)
Year2015
Volume45
Issue3
Pages601-613
Publication date2015-02-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePsychological Medicine (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0033-2917 • E-ISSN: 1469-8978
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s003329171400172x
PMID25108395
OpenAlexW2171607710
LanguageEN
Citations received66
References cited42

Background Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are persistent disabling neurodevelopmental disorders clinically evident from early childhood. For the first time, the burden of ASDs has been estimated for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2010 (GBD 2010). The aims of this study were to develop global and regional prevalence models and estimate the global burden of disease of ASDs. Method A systematic review was conducted for epidemiological data (prevalence, incidence, remission and mortality risk) of autistic disorder and other ASDs. Data were pooled using a Bayesian meta-regression approach while adjusting for between-study variance to derive prevalence models. Burden was calculated in terms of years lived with disability (YLDs) and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), which are reported here by world region for 1990 and 2010. Results In 2010 there were an estimated 52 million cases of ASDs, equating to a prevalence of 7.6 per 1000 or one in 132 persons. After accounting for methodological variations, there was no clear evidence of a change in prevalence for autistic disorder or other ASDs between 1990 and 2010. Worldwide, there was little regional variation in the prevalence of ASDs. Globally, autistic disorders accounted for more than 58 DALYs per 100 000 population and other ASDs accounted for 53 DALYs per 100 000. Conclusions ASDs account for substantial health loss across the lifespan. Understanding the burden of ASDs is essential for effective policy making. An accurate epidemiological description of ASDs is needed to inform public health policy and to plan for education, housing and financial support services.

Autism · Burden of disease · Disease burden · Environmental health · Global health · Incidence (geometry) · Population · Psychiatry · Public health · Autism Spectrum Disorder Research · Child Nutrition and Feeding Issues · Demography · Epidemiology · Family and Disability Support Research · Medicine · Pediatrics

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