Is autism only confined to industrialized nations?

No: Autism has a world wide prevalence of 2-4%. This is true for industrialized countries as well as developing societies. There is a genetic component as well as an environmental one. Even in africa, the incidence is about the same as in europe or us. Iceland has a remarkably increased incidence, the audie of which is not yet clearly understood.

NO: Of course not.Dr. Enriquez's answer sums up the facts. The difference is that the 1st world nations generally gives people more access to health care systems, so there is more involvement in diagnosis.