New research reveals that over 60 million people worldwide were living with autism in 2021, making it one of the top ten causes of non-fatal health burden for those under 20. This equates to an estimated one in 127 people globally being autistic, a significant increase from the one in 271 reported in 2019. The findings, published in The Lancet, are based on data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.
The study highlights a notable gender disparity, with autism prevalence among males (1,065 cases per 100,000) nearly double that of females (508 per 100,000). High-Income Asia Pacific regions, including Japan, reported the highest prevalence globally (1,560 per 100,000), while Tropical Latin America and Bangladesh recorded the lowest. Autism affects individuals across all ages worldwide, with disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) increasing due to population growth.
Researchers stress the urgent need for early diagnosis and sustained support for autistic individuals and their families. Enhanced data collection, alongside targeted interventions for associated risks like suicide, are essential for improving outcomes. These measures would help inform policies aimed at improving the quality of life for autistic people globally.
The authors emphasise that while early intervention is vital, addressing the evolving needs of autistic individuals throughout their lives, particularly under-represented adults, is equally important. The study was funded by Queensland Health and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
New research highlights the direct link between staff psychological wellbeing and the quality of support provided to individuals with learning disabilities. Published in the Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, the study systematically reviewed findings using the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Version (MBI-HS) to explore burnout among staff in this field.
The findings confirm that the psychological demands of caregiving can negatively impact staff wellbeing, often leading to burnout. Interestingly, general exposure to challenging behaviours, including their frequency and the type of support offered, was not directly associated with burnout. However, one study revealed that emotional exhaustion was strongly influenced by staff fear of assault, suggesting that addressing this fear could reduce burnout levels.
The research reiterates previous evidence that staff in good psychological health deliver higher-quality care and are less likely to be absent or leave their roles. This improves care continuity, benefiting both clients and services. The study underscores the need for further research into the factors that influence staff wellbeing, particularly those that may enhance resilience and reduce burnout.
The authors advocate for a national observatory to monitor staff wellbeing and explore influencing factors systematically. This would allow for the standardisation and coordination of wellbeing data across services, creating a clearer understanding of the relationships between staff wellbeing, service settings, and client needs.
A new guide has been published to help practitioners use human rights principles to improve decision-making and outcomes for young autistic people and those with learning disabilities. Commissioned by the Local Government Association in collaboration with the British Institute of Human Rights, the guide emphasises the importance of person-centred, least restrictive practices.
Targeted at practitioners working with 14 to 25-year-olds, the guide provides information on human rights duties alongside practical case studies. It explains how the UK’s Human Rights Act (HRA), which incorporates rights from the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law, can be applied to everyday care. Practitioners are encouraged to use the HRA framework to review decisions internally, work collaboratively with colleagues, and address issues with other services, all while focusing on delivering quality, person-centred care.
The guide also stresses the importance of empowering young people, their families, and advocates to understand and assert their rights. It highlights the need to listen and respond to concerns about public bodies not respecting or protecting these rights. Effective care planning is key, ensuring individual needs and preferences are reflected in plans while any restrictive measures are carefully considered and justified.
Key rights discussed include freedom from discrimination, the right to liberty, the right to respect for private and family life, and protection from inhuman or degrading treatment. The guide aims to ensure these principles underpin all decisions and practices, supporting young people in achieving the best possible outcomes.
Canadian scientists have identified a gene, DDX53, as a contributor to autism, marking a significant step forward in genetic research on the condition. The discovery, published in The American Journal of Human Genetics, highlights the gene's role in brain development and function. Although located on the X chromosome, DDX53 was not previously associated with autism.
The study, led by researchers from The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Canada and Italy’s Istituto Giannina Gaslini, examined 10 autistic individuals from eight families. They found rare variants in the DDX53 gene that were inherited maternally. Further analysis of autism databases, including Autism Speaks MSSNG and the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative, identified an additional 26 individuals with similar DDX53 variants.
Dr Stephen Scherer, Senior Scientist at SickKids, stated that pinpointing DDX53 enhances understanding of autism's biological mechanisms, particularly in males. He emphasised that the discovery could lead to more accurate diagnostics for families. The study also underscores the complexity of autism, reinforcing the importance of detailed genetic analysis.
Lead researcher Dr Marcello Scala of the Istituto Giannina Gaslini said the gene had never been linked to neuropsychiatric conditions before. He noted that the findings not only support DDX53’s link to autism but also suggest the gene influences behavioural traits, paving the way for future research into related biological pathways.
