How Many Autistic Children are there in Colombia? A Nationwide Examination of Autism Through Health System Data

Accurate healthcare data is indispensable for monitoring the epidemiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and improving the quality of care for individuals on the spectrum. In Colombia, the Ministry of Health has developed the social protection information system (SISPRO) as a comprehensive registry, drawing data from the healthcare system with close to universal coverage (approximately 95%). This study utilizes data gathered by SISPRO to estimate the prevalence and specific characteristics of autistic children registered between January 2020 and December 2022.

A descriptive epidemiological approach was employed, using the International Statistical Classification of Diseases as search terms for ASD within the SISPRO dataset.

The study revealed a prevalence of 13.788 cases per 10,000 children in 2022 among aged 4 to 14. Regarding healthcare coverage types in 2022, the majority of autistic children served were under the contributory regime (68.28%), followed by the subsidized regime (25.36%). Geographic analysis indicated a non-uniform distribution of ASD prevalence in Colombia. The regions with the highest GDP, such as Antioquia, Atlántico, Bogotá, Cundinamarca, and Valle del Cauca, exhibited the highest prevalence (M = 17.90; SD = 14.3). In contrast, areas with the lowest GDP, including Amazonas, Guainía, Vaupés, Vichada, and Guaviare, showed the lowest prevalence among children (M = 2.6; SD = 2.5).

The estimation of ASD prevalence in Colombia represents an ongoing initiative to inform public policy actions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a decrease in the number of autistic children served by the healthcare sector; however, the prevalence of ASD changed to higher levels in 2022. These findings contribute to strategies aimed at improving the quality of life for autistic individuals and mitigating the economic burden on their families.