Sex differences in the global burden of autism spectrum disorders: An analysis based on GBD 2021 data.

OBJECTIVES: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has become an increasingly serious global public health challenge, with a continuously rising disease burden and marked sex differences. This study aims to evaluate the long-term trends and global distribution patterns of sex differences in the burden of ASD and to project future changes, thereby providing evidence for ASD prevention and management. METHODS: Based on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 data, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for ASD were extracted for 204 countries and territories. Combined with the sociodemographic index (SDI), the average annual percentage change (AAPC) was used to analyze sex differences in temporal trends and spatial distribution of ASD burden from 1990 to 2021, and to project trends from 2022 to 2050. RESULTS: <0.001). Spain, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and China were identified as outliers to these associations. CONCLUSIONS: Sex differences in the burden of ASD persist globally and increase with age. Targeted prevention and control strategies tailored to different sexes and age groups are warranted.