ArticleSaudi medical journal2025
Estimating autism prevalence among children in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A comprehensive multisource benchmarking approach.
Article in Saudi medical journal, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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5 authors.
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Abstract
objectivesTo provide an accurate estimate of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) prevalence among children in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) by benchmarking against international and regional data, addressing the limitations of the currently reported prevalence rate of 0.6%.
methodsWe conducted a comparative benchmarking analysis using ASD prevalence data from countries with advanced monitoring systems (United Kingdom, United States, Denmark, South Korea, Italy, Singapore) and regional comparators (United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan). We assessed differences in healthcare infrastructure, diagnostic frameworks, and screening intensity, and reviewed recent KSA-based studies. Methodological limitations such as underreporting, cultural stigma, and diagnostic inconsistencies were also considered.
resultsThe official General Authority for Statistics estimate of 0.6% underrepresents the actual prevalence of ASD in KSA. International benchmarks suggest higher prevalence, with the UK at 1.8%, the US at 3.2%, and South Korea at 2.6%. Regional studies in Qatar and the UAE show rates of 1.1% and 0.6%, respectively. KSA-specific studies report prevalence ranging from 1.3% (systematic review and meta-analysis across 24,000 children) to 2.5% (hospital-based screening in Riyadh). Integrating these findings, we estimate that the realistic prevalence in KSA lies between 1.7% and 1.8%.
conclusionThe prevalence of ASD among children in KSA is substantially higher than the official estimate of 0.6%. A calibrated range of 1.7% to 1.8% better reflects the true prevalence and provides a foundation for evidence-based public health planning, early screening initiatives, and resource allocation for autism services in KSA.
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