To study the age of recognition of symptoms and their correlates in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND: Considering the fact that early intervention in Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) can significantly improve the social and communication abilities in these children it is important that the symptoms should be recognized early and intervened early. The present study tries to find out the age of recognition (AOR) of symptoms by parents and delay in diagnosis and seeking professional help in children with ASD in a tertiary health care centre in India. METHOD: Children with intellectual disability with autistic features as primary diagnosis were excluded. The data was collected from the case record form of 50 children with ASD and studied retrospectively from 2007-2013. Information regarding onset, type of symptoms, pregnancy complications, birth history and medical complications were studied. Also referral mechanism was studied. RESULT: The mean AOR of symptoms was found to be 3years 6months. A significant delay of three years between the age of recognition of symptoms and age of diagnosis was seen. The AOR was found to be earlier in those childrens having pregnancy related complications, intellectual disability, seizure disorder & behavioral problems. The first consultation in majority of cases was with the paediatrician. CONCLUSION: The study highlights that more awareness about ASD needs to be spread among general population. This study highlights the need for proper training amongst health care professionals for diagnosing ASD and adequate referral mechanism. Also monitoring the development of child should be mainstreamed into primary health care services for early diagnosis and intervention.