The global burden of autism spectrum disorders in children aged 0-14 years from 1990 to 2021: A population-based...

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) significantly impacts patients and their families. This study analyzes the global burden and trends of ASD in children (aged 0-14) from 1990 to 2021 using the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD 2021) data, providing epidemiological insights for prevention and early intervention.

We utilized GBD 2021 data and conducted various analyses including descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, age-period-cohort analysis, decomposition analysis, and projection analysis to evaluate the burden and trends of ASD in children. Statistical analyses and visualizations were performed using R 4.3.3.

From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of ASD initially increased, then declined, while the age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) showed an upward trend. Projections suggest further increases in ASPR and DALYs through 2030. In 2021, the global ASIR of ASD in children was 61.88 (95 % UI: 52.20, 72.92) per 100,000, with ASPR at 857.92 (95 % UI: 723.24, 1009.34) and DALYs at 165.09 (95 % UI: 111.88, 232.19). The onset of ASD is predominantly before the age of 5, with a higher burden in males. Severe burdens are more prominent in higher Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) regions, although low-SDI regions also exhibit notable burdens. Population growth is a key factor in increasing ASD burden, while aging has a mitigating effect.

Although the ASIR of ASD has declined, ASPR and DALYs continue to rise and are expected to increase further, requiring enhanced efforts to reduce ASD's global burden.