This report presents data on the association of the solar activity with the incidence of autism in Bulgaria. The Sun periodically increases its irradiance, following eleven-year cycles in which there are significant shifts in its activity resulting in magnetic storms on its surface known as sun spots.  The maximum of the solar cycle is characterized by many spots of intense radiation on the Sun, frequent and powerful coronal mass eruptions which result in strong geomagnetic storms on Earth. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental impairment with an unclear etiology in which genetic and non-genetic factors are involved. During geomagnetic storms, people with autism may experience discomfort, changes in blood pressure and headaches, which may affect various types of educational activities. Our research covered a twenty-year period, from 2003 to 2024, in which we studied groups of individuals with ASD who were registered in centers for the assistance of persons with disabilities. The frequency and statistical analysis showed a correlation between autism and solar activity. Our findings provide predictability of the deteriorations of autistic manifestations depending on solar activity which makes it possible to choose appropriate educational strategies in time.

Keywords:  autism, sun spots, Solar cycle, geomagnetic storm, strategies in education