Socioeconomic and demographic profile of autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifactorial disorder resulting from genetic and nongenetic risk factors and their interaction. There is a paucity of data on the socioeconomic and demographic factors underlying ASD from India. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the socioeconomic and demographic profile of ASD. Materials and Methods: Six hundred patients with behavioral complaints reporting to either psychiatric or pediatric outpatient departments were screened and validated as per Autism questionnaire (Childhood Autism Rating Scale [CARS]). Included patients were evaluated on socioeconomic and demographic scale the appropriate Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Results: Twenty-eight children out of 600 (4.66%) were found to have ASD. The average age at which parents first noticed symptoms was 16 months (range: 9–24 months). The mean age at first consultation for ASD symptoms was delayed for girls. A highly significant association between intelligence quotient (IQ) and a diagnosis of ASD was seen. The mean IQ of ASD patients (93.2 n = 28) was significantly lesser than either psychiatric diagnoses or no diagnosis. Even though all patients had an IQ >70, there were still 9/28 patients with a level 3 severity of ASD. A highly significant association between ASD diagnosis and CARS scores was seen. Out of the documented 26 presenting complaints, 17 were social impairment related and 9 related to repetitive patterns of behaviors. The clinical findings from the CBCL conform to a previously developed autism profile for CBCL. Conclusion: Children are taking longer than recommended for optimal outcome to receive a diagnosis. Girls were brought for consultation with the pediatrician later than the boys. Male preponderance in ASD with M: F ratio of 6:1 was highly significant. ASD was found higher in MSES and HSES families. Living in urban areas predicted higher severity. IQ was lesser than for other conditions in ASD.