Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), a group of clinically heterogeneous conditions characterized by impairments in brain development, cognitive function, and behavioral regulation, impose lifelong challenges on affected individuals and families (1). The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) classify autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Idiopathic developmental intellectual disability (IDID), specific learning disabilities, and movement disorders (such as developmental coordination disorder and tic disorders) as NDDs (2). ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts, accompanied by restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities (3). ADHD is defined by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development (4). IDID refers to intellectual disability of unknown etiology, characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior that manifest during the developmental period (5, 6). In 2021, the global number of cases for three common NDDs—ASD, ADHD, and IDID—was estimated at approximately 235 million (7). The associated burdens extend far beyond direct healthcare costs, encompassing substantial expenditures on special education, productivity losses among caregivers, and profound psychosocial impacts, including stigma, familial distress, and reduced quality of life (8). There is also evidence that early-life experiences can have profound effects on brain development and behavior, and their impact on quality of life across the lifespan should not be overlooked (9). Therefore, it is crucial to understand the characteristics of the disease burden associated with NDDs among children in order to inform the development of more effective public health strategies.

The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 (7) provides a valuable tool for epidemiological research by integrating multidimensional health data at global, regional and national levels. It not only quantifies the burden of disease, but also provides a newer and more comprehensive assessment of health inequalities. The core of this approach is the Sociodemographic Index (SDI), which stratifies regions based on a combination of development indicators such as education, income and fertility. This stratification helps to identify absolute gaps and relative inequalities, revealing the complex relationship between socioeconomic development, temporal evolution and disease burden (10). The World Health Organization (WHO) has proposed a universal health coverage policy aimed at decreasing inequalities and achieving “health for all” (11). Emphasizing the inequalities of diseases across different regions and countries is crucial for optimizing resource allocation. However, there remains a lack of comprehensive analysis investigating global and regional cross-country inequalities in the burden of NDDs.

Here we describe the disease burden of three common NDDs: ASD, ADHD and IDID. We further conduct a cross-national inequality analysis based on the standard health equity analysis method recommended by the WHO. The results show that there are inequalities in the disease burden of these three common NDDs related to the level of sociodemographic development. We subsequently examined the magnitude of these inequalities and their temporal trends over the study period. We aim to provide references for the development of targeted prevention and treatment strategies, promote the effective allocation of resources, and ultimately improve global health outcomes.

Neurodevelopmental disorders pose a significant global public health challenge, with their associated disease burden drawing considerable research attention. This study is the first to comprehensively analyze the burden of three common NDDs (ASD, ADHD, and IDID) among children aged 0–14 in recent years. This study analyzes temporal trends and cross-country inequalities in NDDs among children aged 0–14 over the past 30 years and projects the disease burden for the next 25 years, based on data from the GBD 2021 study.

The prevalence trends of the three common NDDs in children aged 0–14 from 1990 to 2021 varied significantly. For ASD, one contributing factor to the rising prevalence is the expansion of diagnostic categories in the DSM-IV, which included additional autism-related subtypes such as childhood disintegrative disorder, Rett’s disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) under the umbrella of pervasive developmental disorders. Furthermore, the DSM-5 later introduced the concept of spectrum disorders, consolidating previously separate diagnoses—including autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, Asperger’s syndrome, and PDD-NOS—into a single diagnostic entity (19). Research indicates that changes in diagnostic criteria alone account for approximately 30% of the observed growth in ASD diagnoses. Furthermore, the adoption of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) screening tool by the WHO in 2007 significantly enhanced early detection. The ASD screening rate at 18 months of age increased from 40 to 75%, underscoring the impact of improved diagnostic capabilities on prevalence data (20). Additionally, demographic shifts, particularly the rising proportion of older parents, have contributed to increased ASD risk (21). Studies show that paternal age over 40 is associated with a 1.5-fold increase in ASD risk (22). Environmental factors also play a crucial role. Increasing levels of air pollution, particularly exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), have been identified as a dose-dependent risk factor for ASD (23). This highlights the importance of both genetic predisposition and environmental influences in ASD etiology.

The global prevalence of ADHD among children exhibited a fluctuating trend between 1990 and 2021, characterized by an initial rise from 1990 to 1998, a decline from 1998 to 2017, and a subsequent resurgence from 2017 to 2021. The increase in ADHD prevalence observed between 1990 and 1998 may be partially explained by the revision of diagnostic criteria in the DSM-III-R (1987), which unified attention deficits and hyperactivity/impulsivity into a single diagnostic entity—ADHD—a term that has remained in clinical use. Additionally, the expansion of attention-deficit subtypes in the DSM-IV (1994), together with the widespread implementation of systematic school-based ADHD screening following the enactment of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in the United States in 1990, may have further contributed to this upward trend (24). The decline observed in the second phase may be attributed to changes in diagnostic practices. In particular, the revision of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines in 2011 mandated that ADHD symptoms must be present in at least two different settings, which likely led to more stringent diagnostic criteria and a reduction in overdiagnosis (25). The renewed increase in ADHD prevalence in the third phase has been closely associated with the growing global use of electronic devices. Studies have demonstrated a significant correlation between prolonged exposure to digital media and ADHD symptomatology, highlighting the potential impact of modern screen time habits on attention regulation in children (26). Additionally, increasing awareness of ADHD among clinicians, teachers, and parents may be another factor contributing to the rising prevalence during this period, as greater recognition of the disorder has led to a sustained increase in reported diagnoses in recent years (27).

The global prevalence of IDID in children has shown a consistent downward trend from 1990 to 2021. This decline is attributed to several key factors, including the widespread implementation of neonatal screening technologies, folic acid fortification policies, and advancements in perinatal medical care. Since the 1990s, the global promotion of neonatal metabolic disease screening, such as for phenylketonuria (PKU) and congenital hypothyroidism has facilitated early diagnosis and treatment, significantly reducing preventable cases. Research data indicate that the neonatal PKU screening rate in the United States increased from 85% in 1990 to 99.8% in 2020, leading to a 72% reduction in related IDID prevalence (28). The mandatory fortification of grain products with folic acid, introduced in the United States in 1998, has played a crucial role in reducing the global incidence of neural tube defects (NTDs), subsequently lowering the number of secondary IDID cases. Folic acid deficiency is a leading cause of NTDs, and several children with NTDs develop IDID (29). Advancements in perinatal medical care, including fetal ultrasound monitoring and gestational diabetes management, have contributed to the reduced risk of birth asphyxia and preterm birth, which are both significant risk factors for IDID (30). These collective efforts highlight the significant progress made in reducing the burden of IDID through proactive public health policies, technological advancements, and improved medical interventions.

The ASD and ADHD are predominantly diagnosed in males, a trend largely attributed to biological inheritance and diagnostic bias. From a genetic perspective, several ASD-associated pathogenic genes, such as NLGN3 and NLGN4X, are located on the X chromosome. Because males (XY) have only a single copy of the X chromosome, mutations in these genes can directly contribute to disease manifestation (31). Additionally, hormonal influences play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of ASD and ADHD. Studies suggest that elevated prenatal testosterone levels may increase susceptibility to these disorders in males by affecting neuronal migration and synaptic pruning, key processes in brain development (32). Moreover, sex-based differences in neurodevelopment have been observed. In particular, males exhibit stronger connectivity within the default mode network (DMN), a neural system implicated in self-referential thinking and social cognition. This heightened connectivity has been associated with the repetitive behavior characteristic of ASD as well as the impulsivity commonly seen in ADHD (33). In females, ADHD is more likely to manifest as inattentiveness rather than hyperactivity, which may lead to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis. Similarly, females with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit stronger social camouflage abilities, allowing them to mask their symptoms more effectively and potentially delaying recognition and intervention. Additionally, gender bias in screening tools plays a critical role in diagnostic discrepancies. Many ADHD assessment scales, such as the Conners Rating Scales, were primarily developed based on male symptomatology, making them less sensitive to detecting ADHD presentations in females (34). The distribution of diseases among children of different age groups varies, with ASD and IDID showing similar prevalence patterns across the three age groups: under 5 years, 5–9 years, and 10–14 years. In contrast, ADHD is predominantly observed in the 5–9 and 10–14 age groups, with a lower prevalence in children under 5 years old. This distribution can be attributed to differences in the onset and recognition of core symptoms. ASD is typically characterized by early manifestations such as language delay and social withdrawal, which often become apparent by 2–3 years of age (35). Many developed countries have implemented standardized screening protocols, such as the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) at 18–24 months, leading to a higher diagnostic rate in children under 5 years old (36). Similarly, IDID is often caused by genetic factors or perinatal insults and can be identified early through developmental milestone assessments (37). In contrast, the core symptoms of ADHD, such as inattention and hyperactivity, are more likely to be overlooked in children under 5, as behavioral expectations at this age are less stringent (38). However, as children enter school, increasing academic and behavioral demands make these symptoms more noticeable, leading to a higher diagnostic rate in school-aged children (34). Additionally, the diagnostic criteria for ADHD require symptoms to be present before the age of 12, but in clinical practice, diagnosis is most commonly made during school years, contributing to the lower reported prevalence in children under 5 (34).

The variations in the distribution of these three diseases across different SDI regions can be attributed to several factors. Notably, the prevalence of ASD and ADHD is higher in high-SDI countries. One key reason is the disparity in diagnostic resources: comprehensive screening programs for ASD and ADHD are well-established in high-SDI regions, whereas low-SDI regions experience a significantly higher rate of missed diagnoses due to limited access to diagnostic services (39). In Japan, following the enactment of the Developmental Disabilities Support Act in 2005, ASD was formally integrated into the national social welfare system. This policy change facilitated access to educational subsidies upon diagnosis, leading to a threefold increase in the ASD diagnosis rate (40). In Bangladesh, the underreporting of health conditions may be influenced by several factors, including a shortage of medical specialists, limited healthcare services at the primary care level, and a prevailing preference for traditional medicine (41). In some developing countries with low SDI levels, cultural beliefs, disease-related stigma, and differing health perceptions may contribute to the underdiagnosis of ASD and ADHD (42). For instance, in certain Asian cultures, avoiding eye contact with authority figures is traditionally regarded as a sign of respect or modesty, whereas in some African and Latin American cultures, direct eye contact may be perceived as disrespectful (43). As a result, children who avoid eye contact with parents, teachers, or clinicians may be viewed as well-behaved rather than exhibiting a core symptom of ASD. Such cultural interpretations can delay or obscure the identification and diagnosis of ASD (44). At the same time, the stigma associated with the disease cannot be overlooked, as it directly contributes to a lower rate of medical consultation and treatment. This perspective is further supported by a study on the prevalence of ADHD in the United Arab Emirates (45). Moreover, advanced maternal age and increased exposure to electronic screens are more prevalent in high SDI regions. The potential implications of these factors on ASD and ADHD have been discussed earlier (46). The burden of IDID is predominantly concentrated in low- and low-middle SDI regions, where its prevalence remains high due to factors such as malnutrition (with maternal iodine deficiency increasing the risk of IDID by 2.5 times), infections (e.g., congenital rubella, meningitis), and inadequate prenatal care (47). Notably, Singapore recorded the lowest prevalence of IDID among 204 countries in 2021 and exhibited the most significant decline in IDID prevalence from 1990 to 2021. This remarkable achievement can be attributed to Singapore’s comprehensive three-tiered prevention system. It was among the first countries in the world to implement national legislation mandating folic acid fortification. Since then, the incidence of neural tube defect-related IDID has dropped significantly compared to before implementation (48). Meanwhile, the country is actively implementing expanded newborn screening using tandem mass spectrometry technology, enabling the detection of up to 50 metabolic disorders. Additionally, appropriate medical interventions have been established for identified cases to ensure timely treatment and management (49).

The results of the health inequality analysis in this study indicated that the SII for both ASD and ADHD was positive, suggesting that the burden of these two disorders is disproportionately higher in countries with higher sociodemographic development. Several factors may explain this phenomenon. First, high-SDI countries often possess greater diagnostic capacity, resulting in higher detection rates (38). Second, certain risk factors associated with these disorders, such as advanced parental age and prolonged exposure to electronic screens may be more prevalent in these settings (50, 51). For example, Australia reported the highest prevalence of ADHD among children aged 0–14 years globally. Several factors may account for this finding. Firstly, as a high-SDI country, Australia has a high level of child healthcare coverage and a relatively well-developed primary healthcare system, which ensures broad access to medical services for children (52). Secondly, the high level of public awareness regarding ADHD may contribute to increased recognition, assessment, and reporting of cases (53). Finally, in recent years, Australia has developed a national clinical practice guideline for ADHD, which was commissioned in 2018 with funding from the Australian Department of Health; during the development process, there has been a growing awareness and recognition of ADHD among both the public and professionals (4). In contrast, the comparatively lower burden observed in low-SDI countries may reflect underdiagnosis due to limited awareness, cultural stigma, and differences in health-seeking behavior, rather than a true lower prevalence (54).

The SII for IDID was negative, indicating that the burden of this disorder is more severe in countries with lower sociodemographic development. As previously discussed, this may be attributed to limited access to prenatal screening, suboptimal maternal and child nutrition, inadequate perinatal care, and insufficient infection control measures in low-SDI settings.

The epidemiological rationale for predicting the disease burden of ASD, ADHD, and IDID in children aged 0–14 from 2021 to 2046 is as follows: The slight decline in the standardized prevalence of ASD and ADHD compared to previous periods can be attributed to the stabilization of diagnostic criteria and the correction of overdiagnosis. Additionally, advancements in genetic screening and prenatal interventions have contributed to a reduction in genetically linked ASD cases (55). Improved regulation of digital media exposure has also played a role in mitigating the disease burden of ADHD. Furthermore, the widespread implementation of early intervention programs has alleviated certain clinical symptoms, preventing some children from meeting diagnostic thresholds. The more pronounced increase in the ASPR of IDID between 2022 and 2024 is likely associated with the delayed effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted prenatal care and delayed newborn screening during this period. Projections of the number of children aged 0–14 diagnosed with these three conditions indicate an overall decline by 2046 compared to 2021. The primary driver of this trend is the continued global decline in fertility rates. Forecasts suggest that the global population of children aged 0–14 will decrease from 2.0 billion in 2021 to 1.8 billion in 2046 (56). It is important to acknowledge certain limitations in the forecasting component of this study. Specifically, potential changes in disease classification systems, diagnostic criteria, or the implementation of public health interventions over time may influence future trends and introduce uncertainty into the projections. Our estimates of disease burden are based solely on the extrapolation of current prevalence trends and anticipated demographic changes, including population aging and growth, and do not account for unforeseen policy shifts or advancements in diagnostic practices.

Differences in gender and age distribution among the three common NDDs in children result from the combined influence of biological susceptibility and sociocultural factors. In contrast, regional variations in prevalence primarily reflect disparities in public health resources. The relatively high prevalence of ASD and ADHD in high-SDI countries is primarily attributed to enhanced diagnostic capabilities, greater awareness among healthcare professionals and the general public, and better access to specialized services. In contrast, the lower reported prevalence in low-SDI countries may not reflect the true disease burden, as it may be influenced by cultural beliefs, stigma, and limited recognition or understanding of these conditions. Conversely, the high prevalence of IDID in low-SDI countries is more likely driven by factors such as malnutrition, untreated infections, and inadequate prenatal and perinatal care. Looking ahead, the underlying causes of the burden of NDDs, as well as their associations with socioeconomic status, environmental exposures, genetic predispositions, diagnostic criteria, and cultural factors, warrant further investigation to elucidate potential mechanisms and contributing pathways. The findings of this study may serve as a scientific foundation for informing public health policy, particularly in low-SDI regions. Strengthening investments in perinatal care, neonatal screening programs, and child mental health services, alongside improving healthcare infrastructure in resource-limited settings, is urgently needed. Moreover, enhancing public awareness and education about NDDs among parents, teachers, and the broader community is essential to reduce stigma, improve recognition of symptoms, and increase timely access to diagnosis and treatment.