One in every 127 people globally is on the autism spectrum
In short: Researchers using data from the Global Burden of Diseases Study 2021 found that approximately 61.8 million people worldwide were on the autism spectrum in 2021. This equates to a global prevalence of one in every 127 people. The study also highlighted that autism spectrum disorder is a leading cause of non-fatal health burden for individuals under the age of 20.
The study used a systematic literature review and a Bayesian meta-regression tool to estimate prevalence and health burden across different regions and ages. It found that the health burden, measured in disability-adjusted life-years, is highest in children under five and decreases as people age.
A significant limitation of the study is the lack of data by ethnicity and the need for better global coverage of epidemiological data to better understand geographical variations.
Why it matters: Understanding the global scale of autism helps guide the allocation of health services and support for families.
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