Autism: A Global Perspective

Abstract

Epidemiological data estimates the presence of 52 million cases of autism worldwide, affecting around 1 %-2 % of children across the globe. There has been a recent increase in interest regarding similarities and differences in the manifestations and the impact of the condition in different world regions. Despite this interest, however, evidence remains limited in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and it has been difficult to draw public and policy-maker attention to autism in particular and neurological and mental health conditions more generally in these countries. We adopt a global life-span perspective by reviewing the current state of the science of autism. We include prevalence and global burden of the condition with models for identification and intervention in community based settings from early childhood to adulthood in both high-income countries and LMICs. We conclude with a summary of relevant recent research priorities for improving quality of life for people affected by the condition around the globe.