AbstractEpidemiological data estimates the presence of 52 million cases of autism worldwide, affecting around 1 %-2 % of children across the globe. There has been a recent increase in interest regarding similarities and differences in the mani-festations and the impact of the condition in different world regions. Despite this interest, however, evidence remains lim-ited in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and it has been difficult to draw public and policy-maker attention to autism in particular and neurological and mental health con-ditions more generally in these countries. We adopt a global life-span perspective by reviewing the current state of the science of autism. We include prevalence and global burden of the condition with models for identification and interven-tion in community based settings from early childhood to adulthood in both high-income countries and LMICs. We conclude with a summary of relevant recent research priorities for improving quality of life for people affected by the condi-tion around the globe. KeywordsAutism. Global. High-income countries. Low-income countries.Life-span.Prevalence.Early identification .Early intervention. Comorbidities. Adulthood. Research priorities