Global prevalence of developmental disabilities in children and adolescents: a systematic umbrella review.

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have put a spotlight on disability-inclusive education, leading to increased interest in understanding the prevalence of developmental disabilities among children worldwide. In this comprehensive umbrella review, we searched the literature for systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between 2015 and 2022. Out of thousands of articles, we selected 10 studies that reported prevalence estimates for various developmental disabilities including ADHD, autism, cerebral palsy, and more. However, limitations in geographical coverage and methodology heterogeneity in the studies prevent us from drawing definitive conclusions about the global and regional prevalence of these disabilities. Nonetheless, our findings highlight the need for population-based data and standardized approaches to inform global health policies and interventions. It’s time to shed light on developmental disabilities and pave the way for inclusive care for all children and adolescents.

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