Global Epidemiology and Health Burden of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

This systematic epidemiological study estimates that approximately 61.8 million individuals (1 in 127 people) were on the autism spectrum globally in 2021, with prevalence varying by sex and age groups. The research used rigorous Bayesian meta-regression analysis of international data to quantify health burden measured in years lived with disability and disability-adjusted life-years, with meaningful involvement of autistic people throughout the study process.