What is it about?
We wanted to understand how common autism is among children in Egypt, what risk factors might be linked to it, and how severe the condition is in different cases. Until now, there hadn’t been a national study in Egypt that looked at autism in such a large number of children across the whole country. We visited over 22,000 households across eight regions in Egypt, carefully screening more than 41,000 children aged 1 to 12 years. We used trusted and age-appropriate tools to identify children who may have autism, and then confirmed the diagnosis with specialists. We found: About 1 in every 91 children had autism, which is similar to rates seen in other countries. Boys were diagnosed more often than girls (about four times more). The highest rates of autism were seen in children aged 3 to 6 years. Certain health issues early in life, like convulsions after birth, low birth weight, or complications during pregnancy, increase the risk of autism. Children living in urban areas had higher rates than those in rural areas.
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Why is it important?
This is the first large national study of its kind in Egypt. It helps health workers and decision-makers better understand which children are at higher risk and when to act. It also shows the need to start autism screening early, especially for children who had medical problems at birth. We hope this research leads to: Earlier diagnosis and better support for children with autism, Improved healthcare for mothers and newborns, More services and awareness, especially in underserved communities. Citation: Metwally, A.M., Salah El-Din, E.M., Sami, S.M. et al. Mapping autism in Egypt: population-based insights into prevalence, risk determinants, and severity among children aged 1–12 years. Molecular Autism 16, 32 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13229-025-00665-1
Perspectives
As a researcher and public health advocate, this study holds a very special place in my heart. For years, we knew that autism was affecting many Egyptian families, but we lacked concrete, nationally representative data to guide care, inform policy, or raise awareness. There were pockets of studies and clinic-based observations, but no real map of how autism touched lives across Egypt; from the heart of Cairo to the quiet villages of Upper Egypt. That’s why we undertook this challenge: a multi-year journey, involving more than 41,000 children, countless home visits, long hours in the field, and deep conversations with families, many of whom were struggling in silence. In several cases, our survey teams were the first to raise the possibility of autism to parents who had never received a diagnosis before. We didn’t just collect numbers, we witnessed the uncertainty, concern, resilience, and love that surround these children every day. I’m deeply proud that this work is now published in Molecular Autism, a top-tier journal with a CiteScore above 12. But more importantly, I’m proud that Egypt now has its first large-scale, evidence-based roadmap for autism. This study is not the end, it’s just the beginning. We now have clearer insights into who is most at risk, where services are most needed, and how early detection can make a lasting difference. I hope this work empowers other scientists, inspires policymakers to act. Above all, the study gives hope to every parent wondering if their child is just a “late bloomer” or might need more support. To every mother, father, teacher, and health worker who opened their doors and shared their stories: this research belongs to you too.
Prof. Ammal Metwally
National Research Centre
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Mapping autism in Egypt: population-based insights into prevalence, risk determinants, and severity among children aged 1–12 years, Molecular Autism, May 2025, Springer Science + Business Media,
DOI: 10.1186/s13229-025-00665-1.
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