Autism prevalence has been increasing over the past decade. Worldwide prevalence has been reported around 1% in contrast to a recent report from Israel reported a prevalence of 0.48% for children 1-12 years of age. This discrepancy warrants further examination of the epidemiology of ASD in Israel.
The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of ASD amongst the Meuhedet, one of four health maintenance organizations in Israel.
Meuhedet maintains a registry of children diagnosed with ASD from age 0-18.0 years inclusive that includes associated demographic and regional data. Diagnosis was determined either by the regional child developmental center.as per DSM IV criteria in 65% of the cases or by primary care physician. Regional and countrywide prevalence rates were calculated.
Prevalence rates (per thousand) that included diagnoses by primary care physicians were as follows: South 8, Jerusalem 6.8, Center 8, North 3.9. Prevalnce rates (per thousand) that included diagnoses verified by the Child Development and Neurology Service were as follows: South 6.1, Jerusalem 4.4, Center 5,4, North 2.5
Our Prevalence rates our consistent with recent reports of a lower prevalence of ASD in Israel compared to worldwide and particular USA rates. Significant regional variation was noted with particular finding of a significant lower rate in northern Israel that was specifically associated with a lower rate in the Israel Arab population there.