Recently a population-wide study was conducted surveying children in South Korea. It was found that in comparison to the Unites States, Korean children exhibited much higher rates of autism. Also, it has been stated by the research that all over the world, the number of people suffering from autism is much higher than previously assumed.

In total, 55,000 children aged between 7 to 12 years were surveyed. Children enrolled in special education programs were not involved in the research. As a result, it was found that one in 38 children was suffering from autism. However, a higher number of children exhibited a mild form of the social disorder known as Asperger's Syndrome.

Therefore the autism prevalence rate in South Korean is said to be quite high in comparison with the United States affecting as many as one in 110 children.

In this regard, Geraldine Dawson, chief scientific officer at the research and advocacy group Autism said: "These findings suggest that ASD (autism spectrum disorder) is under-diagnosed and under-reported and that rigorous screening and comprehensive population studies may be necessary to produce accurate ASD prevalence estimates".