Kavita Batra (Medicine) and the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 Autism Spectrum Collaborators published a pivotal study titled, "," in The Lancet Psychiatry. The study highlights the high prevalence and significant non-fatal health burden of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among individuals under 20 years old, emphasizing the critical need for early detection and comprehensive support for autistic youth and their caregivers worldwide. The study calls for enhanced precision and broader global representation in future research, beginning with improved coverage of epidemiological data to better capture geographical variations. The insights from this work can inform future research directions and, crucially, guide decisions about the allocation of health services to meet the needs of autistic individuals across the globe. This important study has garnered attention in various media outlets.
