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Study: 1 in 127 people worldwide have autism, nearly double previous estimate
2024-12-24 12:31:21 / EKONOMI&SOCIALE
One in 127 people – about 61.8 million worldwide – are on the autism spectrum, nearly double the previous estimate, according to a new study.
Researchers behind the new Australian study, which was peer-reviewed and published in Lancet Psychiatry, used data from 2021 to arrive at the latest estimate.
These findings " highlight the importance of early detection and support for autistic youth and their caregivers globally ," the study authors write.
" Work is required to improve the accuracy and global representativeness of our findings, starting with better global coverage of epidemiological data, " they added.
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was twice as high in males as in females, the study found.
A diagnostic gap, with girls receiving a diagnosis later or not being diagnosed at all due to different symptoms, was found to be a possible factor in the changing prevalence.
Girls may also be more "protected from the condition" than boys due to genetics, according to neuroscience specialist media outlet The Transmitter.
The latest study, which involved 10 institutions in Australia, including the University of Queensland, the University of Adelaide and the University of Sydney, also found that ASD was more common in people under 20.
During the last assessment performed on the 2019 data, the prevalence was one in 271 people or 369 per 100,000 people.
This difference is largely explained by a change in methodology, "to exclude studies that may have underestimated autism rates," the authors said in the statement.
The latest figure is in line with the prevalence of the World Health Organization (WHO), which estimates that one percent of children worldwide have autism.
The importance of an early diagnosis
Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that manifests in early childhood and continues throughout life.
Characteristics vary among individuals, but may include difficulties in communication and social interaction, challenges related to sensory processing, repetitive behaviors, interests or activities, and in some cases intellectual disability, all of which occur in varying degrees of severity.
Signs of the condition can be apparent between the ages of 1 and 3, the American Psychiatric Association said on its website.
" Autistic people are at an increased risk of social isolation, academic or employment difficulties and may need psychosocial support in adulthood ," the study authors said, adding that an early diagnosis may improve outcome.
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