Abstract
ABSTRACT Background: Global autism spectrum disorder (ASD) incidence is rising, emphasizing early diagnosis for improved outcomes. Most data are from developed nations, pointing to the need for information from developing nations like India. Objectives: The study aims to analyze the sociodemographic and clinical profiles of children with ASD, to assess ASD severity using Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism (ISAA), to evaluate treatment outcomes with Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC), and to identify factors associated with early diagnosis. Subjects and Methods: A cohort study conducted in the outpatient departments of five centers in Tamil Nadu from May 1, 2022, to May 31, 2023, focused on children with ASD. SPSS Version 26 was used for analysis. Descriptive statistics included frequency, percentage, and mean ± standard deviation. Chi-squared or Fisher’s exact test (P < 0.05) examined factors associated with age at diagnosis, whereas Spearman’s rank correlation assessed associations among ATEC, CARS, and ISAA scores. Results: The male-to-female ratio was 7:3, with a mean diagnosis age of 3.2 years. 67.9% were from urban residence, 68.9% belonged to upper socio-economic class, and 6.6% had a history of consanguinity. Neonatal convulsions occurred in 35%, 23% required NICU, and 4.7% had a family history of ASD. Poor eye contact and solitary play were reported in 87% & 83%, respectively, Tantrums in 57%, and poor interaction in 64%. Conclusion: Urban residence, neonatal convulsions, and ASD severity were significantly associated with early diagnosis. There was no correlation of the ATEC scale with either the CARS or ISAA scale.
Published Version
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