Burden and inequality of autism spectrum disorders in global, East asian, and Southeast Asian regions, 1990-2021: result from the global burden of disease study 2021.

This large-scale study tracked autism rates worldwide from 1990-2021, focusing on East and Southeast Asia. The research found autism burden is increasing globally, with Japan having relatively high rates. Interestingly, wealthier countries tend to report more autism cases, though this may reflect better diagnosis rather than higher actual rates. The study projects autism burden will continue rising through 2050, with females showing higher burden than males.

This Global Burden of Disease study analyzed autism spectrum disorder (ASD) burden trends from 1990-2021 across global, East Asian, and Southeast Asian regions, with projections to 2050. The analysis examined relationships between sociodemographic index (SDI) and ASD burden using frontier and health inequality analyses. Key findings include consistently increasing ASD burden globally and regionally, with Japan showing relatively high burden levels. Females demonstrated higher burden than males, with greater prevalence in younger age groups.

A positive correlation emerged between SDI and ASD burden, with high-SDI countries reporting greater disease burden despite higher incidence rates in low-SDI regions. Prevalence and years lived with disability remain concentrated in high-SDI countries, with projections indicating continued burden increases through 2050.

Findings suggest need for increased autism services globally, particularly in high-SDI countries. The apparent female burden warrants investigation of diagnostic practices and service provision for females with autism. Healthcare systems should prepare for continued increases in autism-related service demands through 2050.

Study methodology not clearly described in abstract. Burden measures may reflect diagnostic practices and healthcare access rather than true prevalence. Unclear how diagnostic criteria changes over time were addressed. Limited detail on data quality and completeness across different regions and time periods.

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) represent a range of neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by abnormal behavioral patterns. ASD is frequently comorbid with other neurodevelopmental disorders. However, there remains a gap in research on the burden of ASD in East and Southeast Asia. We stratified the analysis by region, country, age, and sex; used the Sociodemographic Index (SDI) as a pivot to examine the relationship between the burden of autism and SDI through frontier analysis and health inequality analysis; and finally projected global, sex-specific trends in ASD disease burden from 2022 to 2050.

The global burden of ASD, including in East and Southeast Asia, has exhibited a generally increasing trend over recent decades. Japan demonstrated a relatively high ASD burden. The analysis revealed that females tend to experience a higher burden than males, and ASD is more prevalent among younger age groups. A positive correlation was observed between SDI and ASD burden, with higher SDI levels associated with greater burden.

Health inequality analyses indicated that while ASD prevalence and Years Lived with Disability (YLDs) are predominantly concentrated in high-SDI countries, incidence rates are higher in low-SDI regions. Finally, the global burden of ASD among both males and females is projected to continue rising through the year 2050. The burden of ASD in East and Southeast Asia continues to increase year by year. High-SDI countries tend to report a greater disease burden.

From 1990 to 2021, nearly all countries in the region experienced a continuous rise in ASD burden. Although there is a growing trend of ASD incidence shifting toward low-SDI countries, prevalence and years lived with disability (YLDs) remain predominantly concentrated in high-SDI countries. Finally, the global burden of ASD among both males and females is projected to continue rising through 2050.