Prevalence of autism-caused disability among Chinese children: A national population-based survey

Few articles in English have discussed the prevalence of autism in China. The work described here was aimed at estimating the prevalence rate of autism-caused disability among Chinese children and exploring family environmental factors associated with autism based on a national population sample. Data for this study were derived from the Second China National Sample Survey on Disability. A weighted number of 77,301 disabled children affected by autism were identified, yielding a prevalence rate of 2.38/10,000. A history of mental disorders in adults was strongly associated with autism. The prevalence of autism in Chinese children was underestimated, and the lack of qualified professionals able to identify and diagnose autism was the main reason. Countermeasures are warranted to obtain a more precise overview of autism in China.

► The prevalence of autism-caused disability in Chinese children is described. ► Family environmental factors associated with autism are explored. ► The prevalence of autism in Chinese children has been underestimated. ► A lack of qualified professionals able to identify autism was the reason for this underestimate.