EP15: Is Autism on the Rise? What Really Drives of Autism Risk?

Are ASD and ADHD truly reaching "epidemic" levels? While clinical diagnosis rates have soared dramatically in recent decades, especially among teens and young adults, new population studies reveal that the underlying symptom severity (phenotype) remains largely stable. This video dives into the complex reasons behind the surge: broadened diagnostic criteria (DSM-5, ICD-10/11), increased public and professional awareness, and lower symptom thresholds for receiving a diagnosis. We also explore the strong role of genetics (up to 80% heritability) and emerging environmental risk factors, specifically prenatal ozone exposure. Get critical insights into the real epidemiology of ASD and ADHD, focusing on global burden, early identification progress, and how society must adapt to support a growing diagnosed population. References: 1. Prenatal Air Pollution Exposure and Autism Spectrum Disorder in the ECHO Consortium. 2. Association of Genetic and Environmental Factors With Autism in a 5-Country Cohort. 3. Prevalence and cumulative incidence of autism spectrum disorders and the patterns of co-occurring neurodevelopmental disorders in a total population sample of 5-year-old children. 4. ASD and ADHD symptoms in 18-year-olds – A population-based study of twins born 1993 to 2001. 5. The global epidemiology and health burden of the autism spectrum: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. 6. Prevalence and Early Identification of Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Children Aged 4 and 8 Years — Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, 16 Sites, United States, 2022. 7. Burden and inequality of autism spectrum disorders in global, East asian, and Southeast Asian regions, 1990–2021: result from the global burden of disease study 2021. 8. Autism spectrum disorder in adulthood: Diagnostic and training challenges in Greece. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn