Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in Africa: a perspective.

Area of Science:

• Neurodevelopmental disorders
• Global health epidemiology

Background:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was historically considered a Western phenomenon, but recent data indicate rising prevalence globally.
• Significant knowledge gaps persist regarding ASD epidemiology, diagnosis, and etiology in African populations.
• Existing literature predominantly originates from industrialized Western nations, leaving the African context under-researched.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and assess the current state of knowledge on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Africa.
• To identify research gaps in ASD epidemiology, diagnosis, etiology, and awareness within the African continent.

Main Methods:

• A literature search was conducted on PubMed, focusing on studies published over the last decade.
• Search terms included combinations of 'autism', 'diagnosis', 'etiology', 'knowledge', and 'Africa'.
• The review assessed available literature on ASD epidemiology, diagnosis, etiology, and knowledge in the African context.

Main Results:

• No studies specifically focused on the epidemiology of ASD in Africa; one study covered Arab countries including North Africa.
• Literature from Africa indicated a higher proportion of non-verbal ASD cases compared to verbal cases.
• Commonly reported co-morbidities included intellectual disability, epilepsy, and oculo-cutaneous albinism; postulated etiologies included infections, genetics, autoimmunity, and vitamin D deficiency. Awareness of ASD in Africa was generally low.

Conclusions:

• Urgent need for epidemiological studies in Africa to determine the prevalence and characteristics of ASD.
• Further research is crucial for understanding ASD etiology and informing public health policies for childhood developmental disorders in Africa.
• Findings underscore the necessity of targeted interventions and policy development for ASD in the African region.