What is autism spectrum disorder and how common is it?

Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Awareness around autism spectrum disorder is growing around the world, and scientists are learning more about it every day. According to a 2022 study published in Autism Research, about 100 in 10,000 0 children around the world are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The NAS states that autistic people may feel as though others “don’t understand them” and often have difficulty “recognising or understanding others’ feelings and intentions”. The NHS recommends a number of interventions that can help your child’s development, including: communication skills – such as using pictures, sign language or both to help communicate as speech and language skills can be significantly delayed social interaction skills – play-based strategies, comic strips and some computer-based interventions can help imaginative play skills – such as encouraging pretend play learning skills – such as pre-learning skills to help concentration, reading, writing and maths Detailed advice and support programmes are also available for parents of children recently diagnosed with autism.