Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 1, 2025

Use of a Video Scoring Anchor for Rapid Serial Assessment of Social Communication in Toddlers
09:16

Use of a Video Scoring Anchor for Rapid Serial Assessment of Social Communication in Toddlers

Published on: March 14, 2018

10.4K

Prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among Saudi children between 2 and 4 years old in Riyadh

Turki H AlBatti1, Lamya B Alsaghan2, Malak F Alsharif2

  • 1Abdullatif Al Fozan Center for Autism, Alkhobar, Saudi Arabia; Czech Rehabilitation Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Asian Journal of Psychiatry
|March 6, 2022
PubMed

Insights

The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in young children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was found to be 2.51%. This rate is comparable to international findings, highlighting the need for further research.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric neurology
  • Developmental pediatrics
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition.
  • Estimating ASD prevalence in diverse populations is crucial for resource allocation and early intervention.
  • Limited data exists on ASD prevalence in young children in Saudi Arabia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children aged 2–4 years in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
  • To provide updated epidemiological data on early childhood ASD in the region.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study design was employed.
  • Data was collected from 398 Saudi children aged 2–4 years.
  • Participants were recruited from five hospitals in Riyadh between December 2017 and March 2018.

Main Results:

  • The estimated prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was 2.51% (1 in 40 children, or 25 per 1000).
  • The male to female ratio for ASD diagnosis was 3:1.
  • The study included a total of 398 children.

Conclusions:

  • The prevalence of ASD in young children in Riyadh is substantial and aligns with recent international estimates.
  • These findings underscore the importance of early detection and intervention services for ASD.
  • Further population-based studies are recommended to confirm and expand upon these results.
Abstract

Keywords:
ADHDASDAutismLearning disabilitiesPrevalenceSaudi Arabia

More Related Videos

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder09:13

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Published on: April 22, 2015

16.7K
Using the Visual World Paradigm to Study Sentence Comprehension in Mandarin-Speaking Children with Autism06:15

Using the Visual World Paradigm to Study Sentence Comprehension in Mandarin-Speaking Children with Autism

Published on: October 3, 2018

7.8K

Related Concept Videos

Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
461
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
409
Modeling in Therapy01:26

Modeling in Therapy

Modeling, a key technique in therapy, uses observational learning to help clients acquire and practice new skills by watching therapists demonstrate desired behaviors. This approach, rooted in Albert Bandura's concept of vicarious learning, plays a significant role in therapeutic interventions for various psychological conditions, including social anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
164
Prevalence and Incidence01:08

Prevalence and Incidence

In statistical epidemiology and health sciences, two essential metrics—prevalence and incidence—are fundamental for understanding disease dynamics within a population. These measures enable public health officials, epidemiologists, and researchers to assess the burden of diseases, allocate resources effectively, and design impactful public health policies and interventions.
Prevalence indicates the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or health...
893
Oppositional Defiant Disorder01:30

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

A persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, defiant behavior, or vindictiveness characterizes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Symptoms must occur over at least six months, involve interactions with individuals beyond siblings, and meet specific diagnostic criteria to be clinically significant. The disorder affects emotional regulation, social interactions, and behavior, often manifesting early in life and influencing long-term development and functioning.
Diagnostic Criteria and...
183
Social Anxiety Disorder01:28

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is characterized by an intense fear of social situations where one might face humiliation, rejection, embarrassment, or negative evaluation. This disorder leads individuals to avoid activities like casual conversations, public speaking, or seemingly simple tasks such as eating, signing documents, or swimming, in public settings. Its impact extends beyond discomfort, often significantly interfering with daily functioning and quality of life.
96