Epidemiology of ASD Services: Unmet Need, Barriers and Innovative Solutions

Dear Colleagues,

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are complex, lifelong, neurodevelopmental conditions of largely unknown cause. Individuals with ASD often present with other co-occurring conditions, including epilepsy, depression, anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The level of intellectual functioning in individuals with ASDs is extremely variable, extending from profound impairment to superior levels. The lifelong burden of ASD challenges health and social services, and its wide heterogeneity requires highly specialized professionals able to integrate very different support needs. The provision of age-dependent services, able to offer both health and social support including educational, housing and job inclusion, is needed.

This Special Issue of Brain Sciences aims to present a collection of studies describing the most recent advancements in the field of the management of autism services and relevant epidemiology. Authors are invited to submit cutting-edge research and reviews that address a broad range of topics related to the availability of ASD services, their compliance with international recommendations, and factors potentially affecting the rate of service access. In particular, we aim to present advances in epidemiological research about child, adolescent and adult autism services that may have significant importance in the field of public health policies for ASD, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Aldina Venerosi
Dr. Flavia Chiarotti
Guest Editors

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