Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder in a large Italian catchment area: a school-based population study within the ASDEU project

Abstract

This is the first population-based ASD prevalence study conducted in Italy so far and its results indicate a prevalence of ASD in children aged 7-9 years of about one in 87. This finding may help regional, national and international health planners to improve ASD policies for ASD children and their families in the public healthcare system.