Kolkata, Feb 2: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) refers to a range of conditions characterised by some degree of impaired social behaviour,
communication and language, and a narrow range of interests and activities that
are both unique to the
individual and carried out repetitively.
ASDs begin in childhood and tend to persist into adolescence and adulthood. In most
cases the conditions are apparent during the first 5 years of life.
Individuals with ASD often present other co-occurring conditions, including epilepsy,
depression, anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The level of
intellectual functioning in individuals with ASDs is extremely variable, extending from profound impairment to superior levels.
It is estimated that worldwide 1 in 160 children has an ASD. This estimate represents
an average figure, and reported prevalence varies substantially across studies. Some
well-controlled studies have, however, reported figures that are substantially higher.
The prevalence of ASD in many low- and middle-income countries is so far unknown.
Based on epidemiological studies conducted over the past 50 years, the prevalence
of ASD appears to be increasing globally. There are many possible explanations for
this apparent increase, including improved awareness, expansion of diagnostic criteria,
better diagnostic tools and improved reporting.
Available scientific evidence suggests that there are probably many factors that make
a child more likely to have an ASD, including environmental and genetic factors.
Available epidemiological data are conclusive that there is no evidence of a causal
association between measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, and ASD. Previous studies
suggesting a causal link were found to be filled with methodological flaws.
There is also no evidence to suggest that any other childhood vaccine may increase
the risk of ASD. Evidence reviews of the potential association between thiomersal
preservative and aluminium adjuvants contained in inactivated vaccines and the risk of
ASD strongly concluded that vaccines do not increase the risk of ASDs. UNI
ASDs begin in childhood and tend to persist into adolescence and adulthood. In most
cases the conditions are apparent during the first 5 years of life.
Individuals with ASD often present other co-occurring conditions, including epilepsy,
depression, anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The level of
intellectual functioning in individuals with ASDs is extremely variable, extending from profound impairment to superior levels.
It is estimated that worldwide 1 in 160 children has an ASD. This estimate represents
an average figure, and reported prevalence varies substantially across studies. Some
well-controlled studies have, however, reported figures that are substantially higher.
The prevalence of ASD in many low- and middle-income countries is so far unknown.
Based on epidemiological studies conducted over the past 50 years, the prevalence
of ASD appears to be increasing globally. There are many possible explanations for
this apparent increase, including improved awareness, expansion of diagnostic criteria,
better diagnostic tools and improved reporting.
Available scientific evidence suggests that there are probably many factors that make
a child more likely to have an ASD, including environmental and genetic factors.
Available epidemiological data are conclusive that there is no evidence of a causal
association between measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, and ASD. Previous studies
suggesting a causal link were found to be filled with methodological flaws.
There is also no evidence to suggest that any other childhood vaccine may increase
the risk of ASD. Evidence reviews of the potential association between thiomersal
preservative and aluminium adjuvants contained in inactivated vaccines and the risk of
ASD strongly concluded that vaccines do not increase the risk of ASDs. UNI
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