Autism Spectrum Disorders in Global Health: Awareness, Early Diagnosis, and Inclusive Care

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. NGO MAKONG MARTHE MYRANDE, a second year medical student at the faculty of health sciences university of Buea, Cameroon. She is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent difficulties in social communication and interaction, alongside restricted and repetitive behaviors or interests. Symptoms begin in early childhood, though recognition may be delayed. Globally, approximately 1 in 100 children are estimated to be on the autism spectrum, although prevalence varies widely due to differences in awareness, screening, and diagnostic capacity.

In global health, autism is not only a clinical condition but also a public health and human rights issue. In many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), limited awareness, stigma, and weak health systems contribute to late diagnosis and inadequate care. Misconceptions—such as attributing autism to spiritual causes or poor parenting—often delay help-seeking behavior. Strengthening community awareness is therefore a crucial first step in improving outcomes.

Early diagnosis is central to effective intervention. Research consistently shows that identifying autism before the age of three allows timely behavioral and educational interventions that significantly improve language development, adaptive functioning, and social skills. However, in many settings, diagnosis occurs after five years of age due to shortages of specialists and lack of standardized screening tools. Integrating developmental screening into routine maternal and child health services—such as immunization clinics—offers a practical and scalable solution. 

Inclusive care extends beyond diagnosis. It requires coordinated healthcare, educational inclusion, and social protection policies. Multidisciplinary management—including speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral interventions, and mental health support—improves functional outcomes. Inclusive education policies enable children with autism to learn alongside peers with appropriate accommodations. The World Health Organization emphasizes integrating autism services into primary healthcare systems, particularly in resource-limited settings. Similarly, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities advocates for equal access to education, healthcare, and community participation.

ASD is a multifactorial neurodevelopmental condition with strong genetic influences.

The economic and social burden of autism is substantial. Families often face high out-of-pocket expenses and lost income due to caregiving responsibilities. In contexts with limited social protection systems, this can deepen poverty and social exclusion. Therefore, national policies must incorporate disability-inclusive health financing and community-based rehabilitation programs.

Addressing autism in global health demands a comprehensive approach that combines awareness, early detection, inclusive education, and health system strengthening. By reducing stigma, improving access to early diagnosis, and ensuring equitable care, countries can significantly enhance the quality of life of individuals with autism and promote a more inclusive society.

About the author

NGO MAKONG MARTHE MYRANDE is a second year medical student at the faculty of health sciences university of Buea. She is an active member of the cameroon Medical student association and Auditor 1 of the Buea medical student association. She actively engages in academic research , with a growing focus on global health and evidence-based medicine.