DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

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Neurological Disease

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

MODERATE

A complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges with social communication and interaction, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. Spectrum disorder ranging from mild to severe. Affects approximately 1-2% of population, more common in males.

Global Affected

78.0M

Countries

111

Symptoms

Social communication difficulties
Restricted interests
Repetitive behaviors
Sensory sensitivities
Difficulty with eye contact
Delayed language development
Need for routine
Specialized interests
Difficulty understanding social cues

Treatment Options

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Speech therapy
Occupational therapy
Social skills training
Early Start Denver Model
Risperidone (irritability)
Aripiprazole (irritability)
Special education services
Assistive technology

Risk Factors

1Genetic factors (high heritability)
2Advanced paternal age
3Family history
4Prenatal factors (infection, medications)
5Extreme prematurity
6Birth complications
7Multiple births

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1ADOS-2 (gold standard)
  • 2ADIR
  • 3CARS-2
  • 4Clinical observation
  • 5Developmental history
  • 6Cognitive testing
  • 7Speech-language evaluation
  • 8Medical workup

Prognosis

Lifelong condition. With early intervention: many achieve independence, employment, relationships. 50% have intellectual disability. Co-occurring conditions common (anxiety, epilepsy, GI issues). Lifespan slightly reduced without support.

Prevention

  • No known prevention
  • Genetic counseling for families
  • Prenatal care optimization
  • Early screening
  • Early intervention

Research Status

Early intensive behavioral intervention (ABA) improves outcomes. No medications for core symptoms; treatments for associated conditions. Research into genetic causes (1000+ genes implicated). Oxytocin trials mixed. CRISPR research for rare genetic forms. Assistive technology advancing communication.

Affected Countries

United StatesUnited KingdomCanadaAustraliaGermanyFranceItalySpainJapanChinaIndiaBrazilRussiaSwedenNetherlandsBelgiumSwitzerlandAustriaDenmarkNorwayFinlandPolandCzech RepublicHungaryRomaniaBulgariaCroatiaSloveniaSlovakiaLTLVEEIrelandPortugalGreeceCYMTLUIcelandNew ZealandSouth KoreaSingaporeTaiwanHong KongMalaysiaThailandVietnamIndonesiaPhilippinesSouth AfricaNigeriaEgyptTurkeyIranSaudi ArabiaUAEQatarKuwaitOmanJordanLebanonSyriaYemenIraqAfghanistanPakistanBangladeshLKNPMMKHLAMNKazakhstanUzbekistanTMKGTJAzerbaijanAMGEUkraineBelarusMDALBAMEMKSerbiaXKMexicoArgentinaChileColombiaPeruVenezuelaEcuadorUYPYBOCRPAGuatemalaHNSVNIBZJMHaitiDominican RepublicCuba

Sources

  • https://www.cdc.gov/
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books
  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions
  • https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.