A recent study has estimated that one in every 127 people globally, or 6.18 crore individuals, had autism in 2021, with the neurodevelopmental condition featuring among the top 10 causes of non-fatal health burden in youth aged under 20 years.
Autism, known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behaviour. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly impact the long-term outcomes for individuals with autism.
The signs, which can begin to show as early as 12 months of age, include poor non-verbal communication, such as avoiding eye-contact and not responding to their name.
The study published in the Lancet Psychiatry journal revealed that autism cases among men were over twice those in women -- 1,065 cases for every one lakh men and 508 for every one lakh women.
The estimates come from the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) Study.
"An estimated 61.8 million individuals (one in every 127 people) were on the autism spectrum globally in 2021," the authors wrote.
According to the researchers, regions in Asia Pacific, including Japan, revealed the highest prevalence (1,560 per one lakh population), while Tropical Latin America and Bangladesh reported the lowest.
The findings also emphasised the importance of early detection and support to autistic young people and their caregivers globally.
"The work presented here can guide future research efforts, and importantly, decisions concerning the allocation of health services that better address the needs of all autistic individuals," the authors wrote.