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Global Prevalence of Autism and Other Pervasive Developmental Disorders
Author(s) -
Elsabbagh Mayada,
Divan Gauri,
Koh YunJoo,
Kim Young Shin,
Kauchali Shuaib,
Marcín Carlos,
MontielNava Cecilia,
Patel Vikram,
Paula Cristiane S.,
Wang Chongying,
Yasamy Mohammad Taghi,
Fombonne Eric
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
autism research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.656
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1939-3806
pISSN - 1939-3792
DOI - 10.1002/aur.239
Subject(s) - socioeconomic status , autism , ethnic group , pervasive developmental disorder , population , autism spectrum disorder , location , epidemiology , public health , psychology , medicine , developmental psychology , geography , environmental health , nursing , geodesy , sociology , anthropology
We provide a systematic review of epidemiological surveys of autistic disorder and pervasive developmental disorders ( PDDs ) worldwide. A secondary aim was to consider the possible impact of geographic, cultural/ethnic, and socioeconomic factors on prevalence estimates and on clinical presentation of PDD . Based on the evidence reviewed, the median of prevalence estimates of autism spectrum disorders was 62/10 000. While existing estimates are variable, the evidence reviewed does not support differences in PDD prevalence by geographic region nor of a strong impact of ethnic/cultural or socioeconomic factors. However, power to detect such effects is seriously limited in existing data sets, particularly in low‐income countries. While it is clear that prevalence estimates have increased over time and these vary in different neighboring and distant regions, these findings most likely represent broadening of the diagnostic concets, diagnostic switching from other developmental disabilities to PDD , service availability, and awareness of autistic spectrum disorders in both the lay and professional public. The lack of evidence from the majority of the world's population suggests a critical need for further research and capacity building in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Autism Res 2012, 5: 160–179. © 2012 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.