Autism Spectrum Disorder Epidemiology Research Articles

Service Acquisition for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Rural Southwest Virginia: The Role of Caregiver Psychoeducation.

Evidence-based intervention can significantly improve the trajectory of symptoms and overall outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), especially when implemented at an early age. However, families residing in rural communities experience barriers to accessing ASD-related services. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess how the provision of accessible caregiver psychoeducation related to new service acquisition for children recently diagnosed with ASD in rural Southwest Virginia. Psychoeducation was delivered either live by a clinician (Live PE, n = 13 caregivers) or via paper materials (Paper PE, n = 10 caregivers) and included content on ASD epidemiology and symptoms, risk factors, evidence-based interventions, and navigating service systems. Survey data were collected from caregivers of 20 children to measure new service acquisition within six months following psychoeducation. Results indicated that 81.8% of children whose caregivers received Live PE obtained at least one new service within six months, compared to 55.6% of those whose caregivers received Paper PE. An independent samples t-test showed a significant difference in the number of new services obtained between groups, such that the Live PE group received over 2.5 times as many services as the Paper PE group. Results suggest that psychoeducation, particularly delivered by a clinician, positively impacted service acquisition, and emphasize the clinical importance of personalized, accessible ASD psychoeducation for rural families. Future implications are discussed, including recommendations to evaluate the role of psychoeducation on service acquisition in larger samples.

Epidemiology of autism spectrum disorders: Global burden of disease 2019 and bibliometric analysis of risk factors.

To explore the geographical pattern and temporal trend of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) epidemiology from 1990 to 2019, and perform a bibliometric analysis of risk factors for ASD. In this study, ASD epidemiology was estimated with prevalence, incidence, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) of 204 countries and territories by sex, location, and sociodemographic index (SDI). Age-standardized rate (ASR) and estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) were used to quantify ASD temporal trends. Besides, the study performed a bibliometric analysis of ASD risk factors since 1990. Publications published were downloaded from the Web of Science Core Collection database, and were analyzed using CiteSpace. Globally, there were estimated 28.3 million ASD prevalent cases (ASR, 369.4 per 100,000 populations), 603,790 incident cases (ASR, 9.3 per 100,000 populations) and 4.3 million DALYs (ASR, 56.3 per 100,000 populations) in 2019. Increases of autism spectrum disorders were noted in prevalent cases (39.3%), incidence (0.1%), and DALYs (38.7%) from 1990 to 2019. Age-standardized rates and EAPC showed stable trend worldwide over time. A total of 3,991 articles were retrieved from Web of Science, of which 3,590 were obtained for analysis after removing duplicate literatures. "Rehabilitation", "Genetics & Heredity", "Nanoscience & Nanotechnology", "Biochemistry & Molecular biology", "Psychology", "Neurosciences", and "Environmental Sciences" were the hotspots and frontier disciplines of ASD risk factors. Disease burden and risk factors of autism spectrum disorders remain global public health challenge since 1990 according to the GBD epidemiological estimates and bibliometric analysis. The findings help policy makers formulate public health policies concerning prevention targeted for risk factors, early diagnosis and life-long healthcare service of ASD. Increasing knowledge concerning the public awareness of risk factors is also warranted to address global ASD problem.

Screening and Epidemiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder in 3 to 6 Year-old Children of Kindergartens Supervised by Mazandaran Welfare Organization

Screening and Epidemiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder in 3 to 6 Year-old Children of Kindergartens Supervised by Mazandaran Welfare Organization

CE: Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Nurse's Role.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the most common and fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States, affecting approximately one in 54 children nationwide. Early intervention for ASD produces the best outcomes-and developmental surveillance and screening are prerequisites to intervention. Although screening has been strongly recommended for two decades, the majority of U.S. children are not screened for ASD. Here, the authors discuss ASD epidemiology, screening, and diagnosis, as well as appropriate early actions nurses can take when ASD is suspected.

Advances in Biomarker Studies in Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental condition that begins early in childhood and lasts throughout life. The epidemiology of ASD is continuously increasing all over the world with huge social and economical burdens. As the etiology of autism is not completely understood, there is still no medication available for the treatment of this disorder. However, some behavioral interventions are available to improve the core and associated symptoms of autism, particularly when initiated at an early stage. Thus, there is an increasing demand for finding biomarkers for ASD. Although diagnostic biomarkers have not yet been established, research efforts have been carried out in neuroimaging and biological analyses including genomics and gene testing, proteomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics, and studies of the immune system, inflammation, and microRNAs. Here, we will review the current progress in these fields and focus on new methods, developments, research strategies, and studies of blood-based biomarkers.

Rehabilitation in Autism. Pilot Project on the Health Centre-Based Primary Care Model within the National Health Plan Implementation Projects

Background: In Italy, there is a lack of reliable data on the epidemiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) on a national scale. The exact etiopathogenesis of ASDs is still largely unknown, with autism representing the final common pathway of different pathological conditions. Aim of the Study: Assessment of the effects produced by the individualised, intensive and holistic rehabilitation programme used by the Il Cireneo Foundation on the daily living skills of people diagnosed with ASD. Materials and Methods: Out of the eighty-seven (n = 87) enrolees, seventy-nine (n = 79), of whom 19 were females (24.1%) and 60 were males (75.9%), with a mean age of 13.41 years (SD = 6.93 years; range = 2 - 33 years) terminated the three-year study. The enrolees were evaluated two times: at the beginning of the rehabilitation programme and at the end of the three-year goal-oriented project. Results: Statistically significant results between T0 and T1 were recorded for CARS (t-4.221; p < 0.05) and for the domains of Communication (t-2.750; p < 0.05), Daily Living Skills (t-6.526; p < 0.05) and Motor Skills (t-3.524; p < 0.05) of the VABS. Conclusions: People diagnosed with autism can be helped to become more autonomous and independent in carrying out activities of daily living thanks to an intensive psycho-educational and cognitive-behavioural rehabilitation programme, of which the Il Cireneo Foundation is the only expression in the Abruzzo region.

The Changing Epidemiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with lifelong impacts. Genetic and environmental factors contribute to ASD etiology, which remains incompletely understood. Research on ASD epidemiology has made significant advances in the past decade. Current prevalence is estimated to be at least 1.5% in developed countries, with recent increases primarily among those without comorbid intellectual disability. Genetic studies have identified a number of rare de novo mutations and gained footing in the areas of polygenic risk, epigenetics, and gene-by-environment interaction. Epidemiologic investigations focused on nongenetic factors have established advanced parental age and preterm birth as ASD risk factors, indicated that prenatal exposure to air pollution and short interpregnancy interval are potential risk factors, and suggested the need for further exploration of certain prenatal nutrients, metabolic conditions, and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. We discuss future challenges and goals for ASD epidemiology as well as public health implications.

Screening and direct assessment methodology to determine the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders

PurposeFindings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-sponsored Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) network suggest a growing prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The rigorous ADDM record review methodology has provided valuable insight into the epidemiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but recent studies using alternative methods have reported significantly higher prevalence estimates. The South Carolina Children's Educational Surveillance Study (SUCCESS) was designed to determine ASD prevalence via population-based screening and direct assessment and to compare prevalence results to ADDM and administrative prevalence counts. This article provides an overview of the methods used for this study. MethodsSUCCESS involved a novel (first in the United States) population-based screening approach combined with direct assessment to determine ASD prevalence. ResultsSUCCESS results will be compared to those obtained via records-based surveillance (ADDM) and administrative counts in the same population of children. This article describes the methods for developing and implementing SUCCESS and rationale for major decisions. Procedures used to maximize participation and accurately determine case status are discussed. Study results will be available in 2016. ConclusionsAccurate reporting of ASD prevalence is important to researchers, health care providers, policy makers, and families. This study will clarify the findings of various methods used to estimate ASD prevalence.

The Impact of DSM-5 on Autism Spectrum Disorder

This paper reviews the evolution of the definition and diagnostic criteria of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the external validity of ASD subtypes, and the impacts of DSM-5 ASD on future studies of ASD epidemiology and genetics; on the treatments or interventions of individuals with ASD; and on the economy of health costs. Overall, it seems that the implementation of DSM-5 ASD may cause more negative results than provides positive influences.

Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder among Nigerian Children with Intellectual Disability: A Stopgap Assessment

The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among sub-Saharan African children with intellectual disability is about 0.7% more than three decades ago. During this period, the prevalence of ASD has been on the increase worldwide. Studies are not available in recent times addressing epidemiology of ASD among sub-Saharan African children. The present study assessed the prevalence of ASD among Nigerian children with intellectual disability. Forty four children with intellectual disability were assessed for diagnosis of childhood autism based on criteria specified in F84.0 section of International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Edition (ICD-10) Diagnostic Criteria for Research. Five (11.4%) of the children studied met the diagnostic criteria for childhood autism. Male/female ratio was 4:1. There is need for large scale epidemiological studies of ASD among sub-Saharan African children to clearly define the inter-relationship between ASD and intellectual disability in this population and to help in health care policy formulation.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in Africa: a perspective

The universal occurrence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) was queried about twenty-six years ago. It was thought to occur only in western industrialized countries with high technological development. Over the last decade, knowledge about ASD and its prevalence has been documented as being on the rise in different regions of the world, with most literature coming from the western world -- the situation in Africa on aspects of ASD remain unclear. Literature cited in Pubmed over the last decade on aspects of epidemiology, diagnosis, aetiology and knowledge of ASD in the African context were assessed. autism, diagnosis, aetiology, knowledge and Africa were variously combined in the literature search. No study specifically addressed the epidemiology of ASD in Africa. One of the two studies that were relevant addressed epidemiology of ASD in Arab countries, though included two Northern African countries. A higher proportion of non-verbal cases of ASD compared to verbal cases was documented in literature coming from Africa. Associated co-morbid disorders included intellectual disability, epilepsy and oculo-cutaneous albinism. Aetiological factors postulated included post-encephalitic infection, genetic and auto-immune factors, and vitamin D deficiency. Knowledge about ASD in Africa was noted to be low. There is a need for epidemiological studies in Africa to define the magnitude of the problem of ASD and the characteristics of children affected by ASD in this region. This would help in planning and might be helpful in answering the question of aetiology of ASD. Policy making needs to be directed at issues of childhood developmental disorders in Africa.

GEOGRAPHIC AND GENDER DIFFERENCES IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS AMONG CHILDREN: ANALYSIS OF THE DATA FROM THE NATIONAL REGISTRY IN TAIWAN

Background and Aims: The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in the world has increased dramatically in the recent decades. However, data at the national level are limited, and geographic differences are seldom evaluated. We conducted a study to estimate the prevalence of ASD in Taiwanese children and to assess the geographic and gender differences. Methods: According to the law, each city and county in Taiwan is mandated to certify the disabled residents and provide various services, and the Department of Interior maintains a registry of certified cases. The registry started to enroll cases of ASD since 1990 and publish summary data annually, which provide a unique opportunity to study epidemiology of ASD at the national level. We analyzed the data from 2000 to 2009. Results: From 2000 to 2009, the registered cases increased from 2,062 to 9,160 annually, and the prevalence increased every year in all age groups. In each year there were more male cases than female cases, and the male-to-female ratio ranged from 5.99 to 6.80, with an increasing trend over time (p &lt; 0.01). A higher prevalence was observed in the urban areas over the years, and the prevalence rate ratio ranged from 2.49 to 2.99, with a decreasing trend over time (p &lt; 0.01). Conclusions: The prevalence of ASD has been increasing in Taiwanese children. The risks were higher in rural areas than in urban areas and higher in boys than in girls. Further analyses of data on individual cases are desirable.

Autism spectrum disorders: Toward a gendered embodiment model

One of the most consistent observations in the epidemiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is the preponderance of male cases. A few hypotheses have been put forth which attempt to explain this divergence in terms of sex-linked biology, with limited success. Feminist epidemiologists suggest the importance of investigating specific mechanisms for male-female differences in health outcomes, which may include sex-linked biology and/or gender relations, as well as complex biosocial interactions. Neither domain has been systematically investigated for autism, and the possible role of gender has been particularly neglected. In this article, we posit hypotheses about how social processes based on perception of persons as male or female, particularly patterns of social and physical interaction in early development, may affect the observed occurrence and diagnosis of ASD. We gesture toward an embodiment model, incorporating hypotheses about initial biological vulnerabilities to autism – which may or may not be differentially distributed in relation to sex biology – and their interactions with gender relations, which are demonstrably different for male and female infants. Toward building such a model, we first review the epidemiology of ASD with an eye toward male-female differences, then present a theory of gender as a “pervasive developmental environment” with relevance for the excess burden of autism among males. Finally, we suggest research strategies to further investigate this issue.

Epidemiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Adults in the Community in England

To our knowledge, there is no published information on the epidemiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in adults. If the prevalence of autism is increasing, rates in older adults would be expected to be lower than rates among younger adults. To estimate the prevalence and characteristics of adults with ASD living in the community in England. A stratified, multiphase random sample was used in the third national survey of psychiatric morbidity in adults in England in 2007. Survey data were weighted to take account of study design and nonresponse so that the results were representative of the household population. General community (ie, private households) in England. Adults (people 16 years or older). Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Module 4 in phase 2 validated against the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised and Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders in phase 3. A 20-item subset of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient self-completion questionnaire was used in phase 1 to select respondents for phase 2. Respondents also provided information on sociodemographics and their use of mental health services. Of 7461 adult participants who provided a complete phase 1 interview, 618 completed phase 2 diagnostic assessments. The weighted prevalence of ASD in adults was estimated to be 9.8 per 1000 (95% confidence interval, 3.0-16.5). Prevalence was not related to the respondent's age. Rates were higher in men, those without educational qualifications, and those living in rented social (government-financed) housing. There was no evidence of increased use of services for mental health problems. Conducting epidemiologic research on ASD in adults is feasible. The prevalence of ASD in this population is similar to that found in children. The lack of an association with age is consistent with there having been no increase in prevalence and with its causes being temporally constant. Adults with ASD living in the community are socially disadvantaged and tend to be unrecognized.

Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disordersedited by Sam Goldstein, Ph.D., Jack A. Naglieri, Ph.D., and Sally Ozonoff, Ph.D. New York, Guilford Press, 2009, 384 pp., $45.00.

Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disordersedited by Sam Goldstein, Ph.D., Jack A. Naglieri, Ph.D., and Sally Ozonoff, Ph.D. New York, Guilford Press, 2009, 384 pp., $45.00.

Assessment of autism spectrum disorders

Goldstein, Ozonoff, Historical Perspective and Overview. Wing, Potter, The Epidemiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Is the Prevalence Rising? Naglieri, Chambers, Psychometric Issues and Current Scales for Assessing Autism Spectrum Disorders. Klin, Subtyping the Autism Spectrum Disorders: Theoretical, Research, and Clinical Considerations. Shea, Mesibov, Age-related Issues in the Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Gamliel, Yirmiya, Assessment of Social Behavior in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Paul, Wilson, Assessing Speech, Language, and Communication in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Klinger, O'Kelley, Mussey, Assessment of Intellectual Functioning in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Corbett, Carmean, Fein, Assessment of Neuropsychological Functioning in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Deprey, Ozonoff, Assessment of Comorbid Psychiatric Conditions in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Hogan, Marcus, From Assessment to Intervention. Harris, Bruey, Palmieri, Handleman, Assessment of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Schools. Goldstein, Ozonoff, Clark, Cook, Alternative Methods, Challenging Issues, and Best Practices in the Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Epidemiology of autism spectrum disorder in Portugal: prevalence, clinical characterization, and medical conditions

The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) and identify its clinical characterization, and medical conditions in a paediatric population in Portugal. A school survey was conducted in elementary schools, targeting 332,808 school-aged children in the mainland and 10,910 in the Azores islands. Referred children were directly assessed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th edn), the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised, and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale. Clinical history and a laboratory investigation was performed. In parallel, a systematic multi-source search of children known to have autism was carried out in a restricted region. The global prevalence of ASD per 10,000 was 9.2 in mainland, and 15.6 in the Azores, with intriguing regional differences. A diversity of associated medical conditions was documented in 20%, with an unexpectedly high rate of mitochondrial respiratory chain disorders.

Diagnosis and epidemiology of autism spectrum disorders.

In this paper, we give an overview of the diagnostic categories of autism and other pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) and discuss the changes in the DSM classification system over the past 20 years. We describe each subtype of PDD, along with comorbid psychiatric conditions, assessment guidelines, and tools for diagnosis. The epidemiology of autism has generated much discussion and research; we report the most recent data, as well as recent findings about controversial issues purporting to cause the increased prevalence rate observed in the past decade. Finally, we discuss the prognosis for individuals with autism, indicating the challenges faced by patients, families, and professionals aiming to optimize their outcome.