Diagnosis and Management of a 7-year Old Child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Bahrain: A Case Study

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impairments in 3 domains: communication, social interaction and repetitive behaviours. It is typically diagnosed by 2-3 years of age. This paper presents a case that received late diagnosis of an ASD, and discusses the procedures in which ASDs are diagnosed and managed in Bahrain. It also addresses the challenges faced by healthcare professionals and families in that field. Several factors contributed to the late diagnosis of this child, and that resulted in delayed access to early intervention centers. The options, on the other hand, are very limited due to the shortage of such centers.