Estimating the Prevalence in Autism Spectrum Disorder Over Time: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Year: 2023
Type: dissertation
Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis
Abstract: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that has \nbeen increasing in prevalence across the globe since it was first recorded. This \nthesis addressed key questions regarding what the true prevalence of ASD is, how \nthis has changed over time, and what factors might be contributing this. \nPart one is a conceptual introduction exploring how ASD is defined and \ndiagnosed, and causal mechanisms that underly the condition. It then explored \nfactors hypothesised to contribute to the observed rise in ASD, relating to both a \ntrue increase and an increase in discovery and diagnosis. How true versus \ndiagnosed ASD can be determined is discussed. \nPart two is a systematic review and meta-analysis of 116 studies, tracking \nand charting changes in ASD prevalence over time, in relation to case \nascertainment method and diagnostic criteria. It evidenced that there has been a \nrise in ASD over time, that methodological differences cannot account for a \nsignificant amount of the variability between prevalence estimates and that \nchanges in diagnostic criteria are not sufficient to explain the observed increase in \nASD. \nPart three is a critical appraisal of the research process, reflecting on the \nexperience of the author in conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis in \nthis field, along with the challenges, benefits and lessons learnt.
Author: Reames, Emma
Language: English
Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7037692778