Prevalence Of Autism Spectrum Disorders In Children Research Articles

Prevalence and determinants of autism spectrum disorder in children in Saudi Arabia in comparison to developed countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This study addressed the prevalence and determinants of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children, with an aim to provide a comprehensive overview of global trends in ASD prevalence, considering the challenges posed by methodological variations, diverse definitions of autism, and varying diagnostic criteria among different nations. A systematic literature search yielded 3,457 studies, narrowed down to 1,834 after eliminating duplicates. The screening process, involved a meticulous review of titles, abstracts, and full-text articles, resulted in the exclusion of 870 studies that did not meet the inclusion criteria. Quality assessment identified and removed seven low-quality studies. The final meta-analysis incorporated 25 studies, presenting a diverse snapshot of ASD prevalence in developed countries. The selected studies spanned the years 2015 to 2023, ensuring a contemporary representation. The meta-analysis revealed a global prevalence of ASD in children at 0.51%, with a 95% confidence interval ranging from 0.4% to 1%. Regional variations were observed, with Saudi Arabia exhibiting a prevalence of 1.33%, surpassing the global average. Gender disparity was consistent, with males having a higher representation, reflecting a global trend. Differences in the definition of autism, screening tools, and diagnostic criteria presented challenges in cross-country comparisons, emphasizing the need for standardized approaches in future research. This study contributed valuable insights into the global prevalence of ASD, highlighting regional variations, gender disparities, and methodological challenges. The elevated prevalence in Saudi Arabia underscores the importance of tailored interventions, while the methodological differences emphasize the need for standardization in ASD research.

The Risk of Autism in Children Relevance of Age of Father & Genetics During Pregnancy Clinical Observation

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by difficulties in social interaction and communication alongside stereotypic, repetitive behavior and narrow interests. The reported prevalence of ASD in children has increased during the last two decades. The current prevalence of ASD is estimated to be approximately 1% (1–3). At least part of the explanation for the increasing ASD prevalence is likely to be related to factors such as changing diagnostic criteria, greater awareness, improved case identification, and changes in age of diagnosis.

The prevalence of autism among children with albinism.

The association between Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and visual impairment has been mentioned in the literature. The aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence of autism among children with albinism compared to the prevalence of ASD in children with visual impairment secondary to other causes. Retrospective study of children with albinism from January 2015 to December 2020. A control group was created with children with early onset visual impairment of similar visual range and age, secondary to diagnosis other than albinism. Patients with associated Autism were identified in both groups. Seven hundred and eight children aged 1-18 years with visual impairment were included in the study. 401 children had a diagnosis of albinism, of whom 14 were also diagnosed with ASD. In the control group, composed of 307 patients, only 3 had ASD (p: 0·03). The prevalence of ASD in patients with albinism was 1 in 28, while in children with visual impairment from other causes was 1 in 102. We aim to raise awareness of the higher prevalence of autism in children diagnosed with albinism in order to reach earlier diagnosis and support.

A Feasible Methodological Approach to Estimate the Burden of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Results from the EPI-ASD Study in the Province of Lecce (Southern Italy).

Diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have rapidly increased globally. However, the lack of comprehensive epidemiological surveys and surveillance systems, able to provide official data at a national or European level is one of the main issues in the monitoring of this condition. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of ASD in children and adolescents aged 3–18 years old living in the province of Lecce (Southern Italy) through official data provided by the Local Health Authority of Lecce (ASL/LE) up to 31 October 2020, and compare it with school-based data concerning the number of students needing support for ASD. Based on data provided by the ASL/LE, in 2020 there were 509 cases of ASD among children and adolescents aged 3–18 years old, corresponding to a prevalence of 0.46%. A total of 408 (80.2%) were boys and 101 (19.8%) were girls. In relation to their age, 155 ASD cases (0.90%) were diagnosed in the 3–5 age group, while 222 (0.55%) in the 6–11 age group and 132 (0.25%) in the 12–18 age group. Prevalence of ASD assessed by school-based dataset was underestimated in the 3–5 age group, while the 6–11 and 12–18 age groups were consistent with the official data provided by the ASL/LE.

Prevalence and Developmental Profiles of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Children With Global Developmental Delay.

BackgroundPrevious studies have mostly explored the comorbidities of Global developmental delay (GDD) in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) from the perspective of ASD. The study focus on the perspective of GDD to investigate the prevalence and developmental profiles of ASD in GDD and to explore the correlation between the developmental level and symptoms of autism.MethodsClinical data of 521 children with GDD aged from 24 to 60 months were retrospectively analyzed. Analyses were performed first for the whole sample and then subdivided into two subgroups (GDD+ASD−, GDD+ASD+) according to whether had ASD. Symptoms of autism were evaluated by the Autism Behavior Checklist and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale. The Chinese version of the Gesell Developmental Schedules was used to evaluate the level of children's mental development.ResultThe prevalence of ASD in children with GDD was 62.3%. The total average developmental quotient (DQ) of GDD was mildly deficient and was negatively correlated with symptoms of autism (p < 0.05); language ability was severe and extremely severe deficient (P < 0.05). GDD+ASD− group and GDD+ASD+ group have some common points as well as differences in the developmental features. The language delay of children in both subgroups was the most obviously defected, thereafter followed by the item of personal social activity. In the GDD+ASD+ group, the DQ of gross motor skills>fine motor skills>adaptability (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences among the DQ of gross motor skills, fine motor skills and adaptability in GDD+ASD− group (p > 0.05). The GDD+ASD−group had better adaptability, fine motor skills, language ability, personal social activity than that of the GDD+ASD+ group, but the gross motor skills in GDD+ASD− group were worse (p < 0.05).ConclusionGDD children have a high proportion of comorbid ASD, and GDD children with poorer developmental levels are more likely to have ASD symptoms. Development profiles in both GDD+ASD− children and GDD+ASD+ children have common features but there are also differences. GDD+ASD+ group is worse than GDD+ASD− group in terms of the overall development level.

Autism Spectrum Disorder and Obesity in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) appear to be at greater risk of excess weight gain. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine whether children with ASD have a greater prevalence of obesity and whether the prevalence of ASD is higher in children with obesity. Methods: We conducted a systematic search on PubMed, Scopus, and PsychINFO until May 21, 2021. We used the meta package in the R in order to calculate the pooled prevalence and relative risk of obesity in children with ASD. Results: We found 20 eligible studies investigating the prevalence of obesity in children with ASD, with the prevalence ranging from 7.9 to 31.8% and from 1.4 to 23.6% among controls. All but three studies originated from the USA. The proportion of children with obesity in ASD populations was 17% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 13–22). The relative risk of obesity in children with ASD compared with control children was 1.58 (95% CI: 1.34–1.86). There were no controlled studies reporting on the prevalence of ASD in children with obesity. Conclusion: Children and adolescents with ASD have a higher prevalence of obesity than healthy controls. There is a need for further prevalence studies of obesity in children with ASD, especially outside the USA, since the few European studies carried out have failed to show a significant difference between obesity prevalence in children with and without ASD. There is no knowledge at all regarding the prevalence of ASD among children with obesity.

Prevalence of autism in Europe, North America and Oceania, 2000-2020: A systematic review

Abstract Background Since the first study of the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in 1966, several studies from across the world have reported increasing prevalence of ASD in children. This has led to a debate whether childhood ASD cases are increasing in real time or the increase is essentially due to improved accessibility/referral to health services or changes in diagnostic criteria and accuracy. Methods MEDLINE and PSYCINFO databases were searched for studies of ASD prevalence estimates in Europe, North America and Oceania published during 2000-2020 (including prevalence data for 1993-2019). Data including age at diagnosis, gender, ethnicity, diagnostic criteria/tools, method(s) of case detection and prevalence per 10,000 population were extracted. Results 75 studies, reporting a wide range of prevalence estimates, were included in the review. Overall, there was a steady and substantial increase in the prevalence of ASD in Europe, North America and Oceania during the last three decades. For Europe, the median prevalence was 59 per 10,000 population (range, 8 to 420; mean, 80). For North America, the median prevalence was 86 per 10,000 population (range, 11 to 247; mean, 95). For Oceania, the median prevalence was 47 per 10,000 population (range, 10 to 390; mean, 112). Overall, the prevalence was higher in White children compared to other ethnic groups. Conclusions It appears that several factors can be attributed to increasing prevalence of ASD in Europe, North America and Oceania. Some of the increase is likely due to increased case ascertainment, but other factors need further investigation to determine the reason(s) for increasing prevalence of ASD. Key messages There is a wide variation in the prevalence of ASD in populations of Europe, North America and Oceania. This is partly explained by differences in case ascertainment and sociodemographic factors. The differences in prevalence between ethnic groups need further investigation.

Can We Predict Which Children With Autism Will Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Can We Predict Which Children With Autism Will Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Autistic spectrum disorder symptoms in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a meta-analytical review.

Research identifies highly variable prevalence estimates for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), particularly between community and clinical samples, warranting quantitative meta-analyses to investigate the true prevalence of ASD in children and adolescents with ADHD. Studies were identified through a systematic literature search of PsycINFO, MEDLINE and Web of Science through January 2018. Twenty-two publications met inclusion criteria (total N = 61 985). Two random effects meta-analyses were conducted: (1) to identify the proportion of children and adolescents with ADHD that met criteria for ASD; and (2) to compare the severity of dimensionally-measured ASD symptomology in children and adolescents with and without ADHD. The overall pooled effect for children and adolescents with ADHD who met threshold for ASD was 21%. There was no significant difference between community samples (19%) and clinical samples (24%) or between US studies v. those from other countries. Children and adolescents with ADHD had substantially more dimensionally-measured ASD traits compared with those who did not have ADHD (d = 1.23). The findings provide further evidence that ADHD and ASD are associated in nature. Clinical and research implications are discussed.

Screening of children for autism spectrum disorders using Modified Checklist for Autism Spectrum Disorders (MCHAT) in toddlers in the age group 16-30 months: An observational study

:Background and Purpose: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impaired speech and communication and repetitive behavior. In the past few decades, there has been a gradual increase in the prevalence rates of ASD. The present study intends to find the prevalence of ASD in children between 16 and 30 months in Belagavi using Modified Checklist for ASD in Toddlers (MCHAT) questionnaire. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 510 children in the age group of 16–30 months in the Anganwadis and playschools of Belagavi using cluster sampling. The teachers were explained about the details of the study and were asked to gather children between 16 and 30 months along with their primary caretaker. The caretaker were explained about the details of the study, and participants were recruited based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Demographic data such as age, gender and socioeconomic status were recorded. The caretakers were given translated Kannada version of MCHAT-revised questionnaire to record their responses based on their child's behavior, and the total score was calculated by the primary investigator. Results: Among the 510 children screened for the risk of ASD, the prevalence was found to be 0.19%. The mean age of the participants was 24.5 ± 5.04 months. The prevalence was found in the upper-middle class in the age group of 28–30 months.Conclusion: The prevalence of ASD in Belagavi was 0.19% in children in the age group of of 16–30 months.

Autism spectrum disorders in children and adults: the experience of reserches from different countries

Current studies on the development autism spectrum disorders (ASD) at different ages are reviewed. The review highlights the increasing interest to this problem and converging positions of researchers from different countries, encouraged by the development of international and other classifications of mental diseases, on the terminology, classification and prevalence of ASD in children. An important feature of the present stage is to draw attention to an understudied problem of ASD in adults, including elderly, and provision of medical and social care to these patients.

Explaining the increase in the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders: the proportion attributable to changes in reporting practices.

The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) has increased markedly in recent decades, which researchers have suggested could be caused in part by nonetiologic factors such as changes in diagnosis reporting practices. To our knowledge, no study has quantified the degree to which changes in reporting practices might explain this increase. Danish national health registries have undergone a change in diagnostic criteria in 1994 and the inclusion of outpatient contacts to health registries in 1995. To quantify the effect of changes in reporting practices in Denmark on reported ASD prevalence. We used a population-based birth cohort approach that includes information on all individuals with permanent residence in Denmark. We assessed all children born alive from January 1, 1980, through December 31, 1991, in Denmark (n=677915). The children were followed up from birth until ASD diagnosis, death, emigration, or the end of follow-up on December 31, 2011, whichever occurred first. The analysis uses a stratified Cox proportional hazards regression model with the changes in reporting practices modeled as time-dependent covariates. The change in diagnostic criteria in 1994 and the inclusion of outpatient diagnoses in 1995. Autism spectrum disorders. For Danish children born during the study period, 33% (95% CI, 0%-70%) of the increase in reported ASD prevalence could be explained by the change in diagnostic criteria alone; 42% (95% CI, 14%-69%), by the inclusion of outpatient contacts alone; and 60% (95% CI, 33%-87%), by the change in diagnostic criteria and the inclusion of outpatient contacts. Changes in reporting practices can account for most (60%) of the increase in the observed prevalence of ASDs in children born from 1980 through 1991 in Denmark. Hence, the study supports the argument that the apparent increase in ASDs in recent years is in large part attributable to changes in reporting practices.

Association of Autism Spectrum Disorders with Secondhand Smoke Exposure

Objectives: Second Hand Smoke (SHS) exposure has been associated with neurobehavioral disorders among children. Our objective was to evaluate relationship between SHS and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in children in the United States (US) and to assess sex distribution of ASD when exposed to SHS. Methods: Parent-reported postnatal SHS exposure inside and outside the house and ASD was examined in children younger than 12 years using the 2011-2012 National Survey on Children's Health. The physician diagnosis of current ASD as reported by the parents was used as the outcome variable. Multiple logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders and complex survey designs were used to assess associations. Results: Of the 61,076 children (equivalent to weighted 49 million children), 20% had SHS exposure, and 4% were exposed to SHS inside the house, corresponding to a weighted 10 million and 2 million children, respectively. For all children irrespective of SHS exposure status, ASD weighted prevalence and 95% confidence interval was 1.81% (1.56, 2.05) equivalent to 1 in 55 children. Weighted prevalence of ASD in children exposed to SHS outside the house was 2.26% (1.64, 2.87), and 2.57% (1.26, 3.88) with SHS inside the house, compared to 1.67% (1.39, 1.93) in those without SHS exposure (p&lt;0.01). Girls constituted 48% of the total sample. Girls exposed to SHS had 21% higher risk of age adjusted ASD compared to unexposed girls (OR=1.21, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.44, p=0.038). With covariate adjustment, girls had 22% higher risk of ASD when exposed to SHS in comparison to unexposed girls (OR=1.22, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.46, p=0.034). In addition, increasing age of the child, unstable family structure (step or single parent) and mother's age were significantly related to ASD in girls. In boys, increasing age was the only variable significantly associated with ASD and no relationship with SHS was noted. Conclusions: US girls experience a higher prevalence of SHS related ASD.

Autism Spectrum Disorders and Prematurity

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are increasingly recognized as a public health problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence for ASD is now 1 in 88. The prevalence of ASDs in children has increased over the past 2 decades, nearly doubling the prevalence since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began tracking these numbers. Infants are defined as premature when birth takes place before 37 weeks' gestation (259 days from the first day of the mother's last menstrual period). More than 4 million live births occur in the United States each year. Preterm births account for approximately half a million of those births. The rate of premature birth has increased by more than 20% between 1990 and 2006. Cognitive impairment and atypical brain development are thought to be sequelae of preterm delivery. Low birth weight and preterm birth place these infants at higher risk for disturbances in social interaction, communication, and other psychoaffective disorders in adulthood. Major advances in the field of early autism detection include validated screening tools to facilitate early screening for children with ASD as well as those considered to be at high risk for the disorder. Given the significant maternal and neonatal morbidities that are often coupled with prematurity, understanding the prevalence and risk factors that are implicated in changes in the fetal brain may provide researchers with vital links to autism in this population.

Autism spectrum disorder in children born preterm—role of exposure to perinatal inflammation

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the collective term for neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by qualitative impairments in social interaction, communication, and a restricted range of activities and interests. Many countries, including Australia, have reported a dramatic increase in the number of diagnoses over the past three decades, with current prevalence of ASD at 1 in every 110 individuals (~1%). The potential role for an immune-mediated mechanism in ASD has been implicated by several studies, and some evidence suggests a potential link between prenatal infection-driven inflammation and subsequent development of ASD. Furthermore, a modest number of contemporary studies have reported a markedly increased prevalence of ASD in children born preterm, who are at highest risk of exposure to perinatal inflammation. However, the mechanisms that underpin the susceptibility to infection-driven inflammation during pregnancy and risk of preterm birth, and how these intersect with the subsequent development of ASD in the offspring, is not understood. This review aims to summarize and discuss the potential mechanisms and evidence for the role of prenatal infection on the central nervous system, and how it may increase the susceptibility for ASD pathogenesis in children born preterm.