Autism in the Faroe Islands: an epidemiological study

Area of Science:

• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Population Genetics
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The Faroe Islands represent a unique genetic isolate, making it valuable for population-based genetic research.
• Understanding autism spectrum disorder (ASD) prevalence is crucial for public health planning and genetic research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in a defined cohort in the Faroe Islands.
• To establish a representative cohort for future genetic studies of autism.

Main Methods:

• A population-based screening for autism spectrum disorders was conducted in all Faroe Islands schools in 2002.
• The study targeted children born between 1985 and 1994 residing in the Faroe Islands as of December 31, 2002.
• Diagnostic confirmation was performed using the Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders (DISCO) for children screening positive.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of childhood autism, Asperger syndrome, and atypical autism was 0.56% among children aged 8–17 years.
• The male to female ratio for autism spectrum disorders in this cohort was approximately 6:1.
• Autism prevalence in the Faroe Islands was comparable to rates reported in other Western nations.

Conclusions:

• The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in the Faroe Islands is similar to that observed in comparable Western populations.
• This study successfully identified a cohort suitable for future genetic investigations into autism within a genetically isolated population.