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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has emerged as one of the top ten global health burdens for young people under the age of 20, according to a recent study published in The Lancet Psychiatry. The research, led by Damian Santomauro from the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, reveals that in 2021, approximately 62 million individuals worldwide were diagnosed with autism.
The study highlights that one in 127 people globally were affected by autism in 2021, marking a significant shift from previous data, such as one in 271 in 2019. Researchers attribute this increase primarily to improvements in detection methods and diagnostic criteria, though it also reflects an expanded awareness of the disorder.
“Placing autism within the top ten causes of non-fatal health burden for children and adolescents underscores the growing recognition of its impact on global health,” said Santomauro. Early diagnosis, the researchers argue, is crucial in providing children and adolescents with the therapy and support they need to manage autism throughout their lives.
The study, which analyzed data from 105 studies across 33 countries, also found that autism rates were significantly higher in males compared to females, with a rate of 1,065 cases per 100,000 males, compared to 508 cases per 100,000 females. This finding is somewhat lower than the current estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which report that autism is nearly four times more common in boys than girls.
Despite the growing recognition of autism’s prevalence, the study also emphasizes the need for a more nuanced understanding of the disorder. Researchers noted that the current method of estimating autism rates—reviewing clinical and educational records—could lead to overestimation since individuals are not clinically evaluated for autism as part of population diagnostic surveys. The CDC’s most recent estimate stands at one in 36 children affected by autism, a figure still lower than the study’s findings.
A critical part of the research’s conclusion is the need for targeted interventions for autistic individuals of all ages, particularly adults, who remain underrepresented in both research and service provision. The study also advocates for increased investment in early detection programs, improved diagnostic tools, and better resources for caregivers, especially in low- and middle-income countries where access to autism-related care is limited.
As the holiday season approaches, the study’s findings take on added significance, especially for families with autistic children. David Boehme, a teaching assistant in Germany, highlighted the challenges that events like Christmas and New Year’s can pose for children on the spectrum. “For many autistic children, the noise-filled, colorful celebrations of Christmas can be overwhelming,” Boehme said. “The sensory overload of sounds, smells, guests, and changes in routine can make these times stressful, even frightening.”
With a growing recognition of the global health burden autism represents, researchers call for more comprehensive strategies to support those on the spectrum across their lifespan. “Addressing the evolving needs of autistic individuals requires a global commitment to better diagnostic services, particularly in underserved regions,” the researchers concluded in the study.
For more information on autism and available resources, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.
Damian F Santomauro et al, The global epidemiology and health burden of the autism spectrum: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, The Lancet Psychiatry (2024).
