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Background The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders ( ASD) varies worldwide from 1.4/10 000 children in the Arabian Peninsula to 185/10 000 children of Asian population. In Europe, the highest prevalence has been observed in Sweden, while the lowest in Croatia (115/10 000 and 2-3/10 000, respectively). There have been no epidemiological studies on the prevalence of ASD in Polish population. The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of ASD in children aged 0-16 years, inhabitants of West Pomeranian and Pomeranian regions. Material and Methods In total, 2514 children (2038 males, 81.1%) were included. The estimates were based on the government registries, whereas data were obtained from Provincial Disability Services Commissions. Results The prevalence of ASD in children aged 0-16 years varies between two regions of Poland - 32/10 000 in West Pomeranian and 38/10 000 in Pomeranian region. Conclusions The average prevalence of ASD was 35/10 000 children and was about 4-fold higher in males ( P < 0.05). More studies are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]