Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40897329›Full record

ReviewJornal de pediatria

Autism spectrum disorder: overdiagnosis or a new pandemic?

Kamila Castro, Rudimar Riesgo, Carlos Gadia

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Jornal de pediatria. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Kamila CastroChild Neurology Unit, Pediatrics Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. Electronic address: kamilacastrog@gmail.com.
Rudimar RiesgoChild Neurology Unit, Pediatrics Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Carlos GadiaPediatric Neurologist - Nicklaus Children's Hospital, Miami, USA.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectiveTo critically analyze the factors influencing prevalence estimates of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), considering methodological, clinical, etiological, and sociocultural determinants that shape epidemiological data and diagnostic practices. DATA SYNTHESIS: In recent decades, a substantial increase in ASD prevalence has been observed globally. This phenomenon is shaped by a combination of factors, including changes in diagnostic criteria, improved detection methods, expanded access to health services, and greater public awareness. However, it also raises concerns about possible overdiagnosis, particularly in complex clinical contexts. The interpretation of prevalence data is influenced by methodological designs, population characteristics, and sociocultural dynamics. SUMMARY OF THE

findingsThe absence of biological markers, the high rate of psychiatric comorbidities, and disparities in access to qualified professionals further complicate the diagnostic process. These elements highlight the need for caution when comparing data across studies, time periods, or geographic regions.

conclusionThe ASD prevalence reflects a multifaceted process that demands careful and comprehensive interpretation. A deeper understanding of this scenario requires critical reflection on how diagnoses are established, interpreted, and applied. Strengthening diagnostic practices and epidemiological approaches is essential for ensure more accurate data and support informed decision-making in health policies.

Indexed as

Autism Spectrum DisorderOverdiagnosisChildHumansPandemicsPrevalenceAutism spectrum disorderDiagnostic criteriaEpidemiologyOverdiagnosisPrevalence

Identifiers

PMID40897329
PMCPMC12974249

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.