Addressing Autism Spectrum Disorders in China

Abstract

English language readers rarely get glimpses of the state of autism research in China. Given the seriousness of autism, the population of China, and the potential for theoretically interesting cross‐cultural insights, we provide a broad survey of research carried out in China on childhood autism. Four themes are considered: etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and education. Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) appears to be a product of epigenetic interactions between genetic and environmental factors; recent Chinese research on etiology reflects this. Current diagnostic procedures in China involve clinical screening and examinations, while research proceeds on brain‐imaging techniques for diagnosis. Research on treatment has introduced a comprehensive and moderately effective approach that includes education and training, psychotherapy, and pharmacotherapy. In the realm of education, however, many problems remain, requiring joint efforts of the government and of other societal actors. Finally, there are opportunities for indigenous Chinese concepts and innovations to contribute to the study of ASD.

The Lancet Commission on the future of care and clinical research in autism

“…Many clinical practice guidelines for autism exist, published by governmental bodies and professional associations worldwide, 106 although the quality, compo sition of such groups, and methodologies used vary considerably. Other articles also summarise the situation in different countries or regions, such as China, 107 Indonesia, 108 Iran, 109 south Asia, 110 sub-Saharan Africa, 21 and Vietnam. 111 Some of the methods of guideline development are similar, predominantly depending on the recom mendations of an expert panel reaching consensus about appropriate interventions on the basis of systematic and expert review of the evidence.…”

Global prevalence of autism: A systematic review update

“…A few epidemiological studies used the Chinese Classification of Mental Disorders (CCMD‐3; Chinese Society of Psychiatry, 2001), although the ICD has also been in use in China as well. However, the CCMD itself was originally developed based on the DSM and ICD (Pang et al, 2018; Wang et al, 2019), and therefore, a major impact on prevalence estimates is not expected.…”

Awareness and knowledge of autism spectrum disorder in Western China: Promoting early identification and intervention

“…Early identification is key to diagnosing ASD. At present, the doctors who can screen and diagnose autism in China are mainly developmental-behavioral pediatricians, child health doctors, psychologists, and psychiatrists ( 17 ). However, there are few developmental-behavioral pediatricians, psychologists, or psychiatrists in districts and counties far from cities in China, so primary health care workers undertake most of the work of medical treatment and referral ( 33 ).…”

“…The researcher prepared the first draft of the questionnaire, with some questions based on previous studies ( 15 ). Then the questionnaire was adjusted based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5th edition (DSM-5) ( 1 ) and evidenced-based interventions for ASD ( 16 ), as well as the current state of autism interventions in China ( 17 ). It was validated by a multidisciplinary team of experts in child developmental behavior, psychology, epidemiology, and primary health care.…”