Awareness Of Autism Spectrum Disorder Research Articles

Social adaptation assistance for children with autism spectrum disorders in Kazakhstan

This study investigates the provision and effectiveness of social adaptation assistance for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Almaty, Kazakhstan, with the aim of mapping available services, assessing their accessibility and impact, and identifying cultural and societal factors influencing ASD support. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research combines a systematic literature review and a survey of 20 families with ASD-affected children aged between 4 and 16 years. The literature review focused on articles published from 2010 to 2022, exploring the prevalence of ASD and the extent of support services in Kazakhstan. Results indicate that while state-run educational programs are the most accessed form of assistance, challenges persist in terms of individualized attention and resource sufficiency. Independent and international initiatives are valued for their personalized approach but face limitations in capacity and reach. The study concludes that despite the growing awareness of ASD in Almaty, there is a critical need for comprehensive, culturally sensitive strategies that enhance the social adaptation and integration of children with ASD into society.

Validar un cuestionario para evaluar el Conocimiento y la Estigmatización del TEA en la población peruana: una necesidad real

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication, and restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. Over the past few decades, there has been an increase in awareness and early detection of ASD, significantly improving opportunities for intervention and support. However, individuals with ASD often face stigmatization and discrimination due to a lack of understanding about their condition, which can negatively affect their emotional and social well-being. Therefore, it is crucial to promote greater education and awareness about ASD to reduce stigma and foster a more inclusive society. (1)

Awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Population of Kazakhstan.

In recent years, an abundance of research has substantiated the escalating prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) on a global scale. The aim to assess the level of awareness regarding ASD among the Kazakhstan population, as well as their readiness to offer help to individuals affected by ASD. A cross-sectional study was conducted encompassing individuals aged 18 years and above, using both the Russian and Kazakh languages. The survey was administered through Google Forms during April to June 2023. The link to survey was disseminated through WhatsApp chats of different social groups, including primary care specialists (general practitioners and nurses), and educators from primary and secondary schools from all 17 regions of Kazakhstan, spanning urban and rural areas. 410 participants took part in the survey in total. Statistical significance will be defined as p-values < 0.05. Individuals aged 25 and above, who are both educated and employed, exhibit a greater awareness of ASD compared to other demographic groups. A low proportion of respondents (18.3%) demonstrated familiarity with the key symptoms of ASD as well as on its causes. Furthermore, it's noteworthy that the primary resource for acquiring information about ASD was the internet for both of these regions. Low awareness on ASD symptoms and treatment methods was identified in both areas. There is a need to develop activities to increase the public awareness on ASD, including knowledge on early symptoms of ASD and facilities that address the needs of people on the ASD and their families.

Frotteurism and Kleptomania in High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Case Report

Innate vulnerabilities in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) could increase the risk of comorbid psychiatric conditions and judicial problems. Persistent deficits in social communication, narrow, repetitive interests, or sensory impairments could lead to deviant behaviors. This case study refers to a 22-year-old male who exhibited behavioral particularities in agreement with the presence of frotteurism and kleptomania. The impulsive nature of these behaviors was consistent with repetitive and stereotyped patterns. Premorbid social impairments, mainly in the communication domain, were also prominent, leading to the suspicion of ASD. This case report introduces two rare comorbid conditions in ASD, with forensic implications that can severely impact patients’ lives. The importance of this association especially applies to high-functioning ASD, given the propensity to an unknown diagnosis. A high-level awareness of ASD, especially in forensic psychiatry, is of paramount pertinence regarding the opportunity for early interventions addressing sexual education and social skills training. Autism, high-level, frotteurism, kleptomania, sexual, impulse, forensic, psychiatry, social skills

Letter to the Editor: Supporting Drivers with Autism and Police Officer Interactions-Connecticut's Blue Envelope Program.

The rising prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has led to increased efforts to support individuals with ASD across numerous aspects of life, including driving. While obtaining a driver's license substantially impacts quality of life and independence, it also creates distinct challenges for those with ASD. Challenges surrounding social communication, executive functioning, and sensory sensitivities are particularly evident when considering interactions between drivers with ASD and law enforcement personnel. Connecticut's Blue Envelope Program aims to improve interactions between drivers with and ASD law enforcement by providing instructions for officers and drivers to follow during routine traffic stops on a physical, blue colored, envelope. The instructional guidelines aim to assist officers in understanding and appropriately responding to common ASD-related behaviors which may be otherwise misinterpreted and includes accommodations officers could consider during a stop. Additionally, the envelope outlines clear steps for drivers with ASD to follow through the stop as to support predictability and expectations. The widespread acceptance, efficacy and popularity of the Blue Envelope program underscores the importance of increasing awareness and understanding of ASD among law enforcement and the need for more supports to aid in these increasing interactions. Discussion is offered on a broader implementation of this program to support individuals with ASD and officers, while improving the outcomes of interactions.

Knowledge and awareness of autism spectrum disorder among Libyans

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by the presence of delayed or defective development before the age of three years, as well as behavioral difficulties in social communication and interaction.&#x0D; Objective: To evaluate ASD knowledge and awareness, as well as ASD information sources in a sample of the Libyan general population, and to explore factors that could be associated with the knowledge and awareness.&#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out between 22 March and 13 August 2022 using a self-administered questionnaire.&#x0D; Results: Out of 2195 participants, 48.9% were females and 51.1% were males. Three-quarters of the participants (74.8%) presented a low level of knowledge. Of those whose source of knowledge of autism was social media, 78.9% had a low level of knowledge. However, 57.9% of the participants showed a good level of awareness of autism symptoms and signs.&#x0D; Conclusion: The participants had a limited understanding of the causes and characteristics of ASD. Raising community awareness of the causes and characteristics of ASD is a priority.

Clinical profile of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder in Durban, South Africa.

There are often delays in accessing care and diagnosing autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), with little data from Southern Africa on the clinical profile of affected children and adolescents. To describe the socio-demographic and clinical variables of children and adolescents with ASD attending psychiatric services at two state hospitals in eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. Two state hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. The retrospective chart review examined patient records for the period 01 January 2018 to 31 December 2021. Data were collated using a structured data questionnaire on birth and family history, current presentation, comorbid conditions, medications, and non-pharmacological interventions. Of the 67 children and adolescents accessing care for ASD during the study period (including the coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19] pandemic lockdown period), most were males (89%), with a mean age standard deviation (s.d.) of 10.69 (s.d. 2.64) years. There was a delay between recognition of first symptoms and an ASD diagnosis of approximately three years. The most common reasons for referral were behavioural problems and speech delay, with 57 patients having delayed milestones (85%). Comorbid attention deficit hyperactivity disorder was reported in 55.2% (n = 37) of the patients and intellectual disability in 50.7% (n = 34), and the commonest comorbid medical condition was epilepsy (n = 20; 29.8%). All participants were on psychotropic medications, with 40 (59%) being on more than one agent. The delay in diagnosing ASD, high rates of comorbidity, and need for polypharmacy are concerning. The study highlights the need for greater awareness of ASD in communities and health care workers to expedite diagnosis and facilitate prompt psychosocial support and rehabilitation.

A Study on Knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorders among a Sample Population of Odisha

Abstract Background: The number of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has increased at an alarming rate in recent years. However, ASD remains undetected in developing countries like India because of lack of knowledge regarding this issue among the common people. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess knowledge about ASD among the general population of Odisha and the factors influencing that knowledge. Materials and Methods: A total of 207 people of Odisha were given a self-administered questionnaire, and knowledge was assessed based on their responses. Sociodemographic characteristics were also taken into account. Results: In this study, the mean age of respondents was 33.20 ± 11.63 years. Female respondents were 44.5% and male respondents were 55.5%. Females had more knowledge regarding ASD as compared to males. The knowledge regarding the etiology of ASD was poor (&lt;50%), but the clinical features were well known to majority of participants (60%). The study population had poor knowledge (&lt;35%) regarding diagnostic techniques of ASD. Persons who came across any autistic child in their life had a significantly higher knowledge score (16.77 ± 2.63) about ASD as compared to other people who had lack of experience (11.29 ± 4.16 with P = 0.007). Conclusion: There is a need of improvement in creating awareness of ASD among the general public. Areas for targeted education should be identified in order to enhance the quality of life of autistic children and their families.

Knowledge and awareness of autism spectrum disorder among Libyans.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by the presence of delayed or defective development before the age of three years, as well as behavioral difficulties in social communication and interaction. To evaluate ASD knowledge and awareness, as well as ASD information sources in a sample of the Libyan general population, and to explore factors that could be associated with the knowledge and awareness. A cross-sectional study was carried out between 22 March and 13 August, 2022 using a self-administered questionnaire. The study included 2350 individual aged 18 and up from households living in different regions in Libya (eastern, southern, central, and western). Out of 2195 participants, 48.9% were females and 51.1% were males. Three-quarters of the participants (74.8%) presented a low level of knowledge about autism causes. Of those whose source of knowledge of autism was social media, 78.9% had a low level of knowledge. However, 57.9% of the participants showed a good level of awareness of autism symptoms and signs. The participants had a limited understanding of the causes and characteristics of ASD. Raising community awareness of the causes and characteristics of ASD is a priority.

The impact of primary care access on autism spectrum disorder awareness in an underserved population.

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) screening do not specifically address safety-net clinics, which provide multidisciplinary healthcare services to underserved patients. This project explored the potential for ASD screening in safety-net clinics by assessing parental perceived knowledge of ASD at JayDoc Free Clinic, a student-run safety-net clinic in Wyandotte County, Kansas. May through December 2022, patients who reported to be the parent of a minor received a demographic survey and a Likert-style questionnaire assessing perceived knowledge of ASD, including understanding the importance of ASD screening and ASD signs and symptoms. Responses were categorized into positive, negative, and unsure. Demographic variables included the minor's primary care provider (PCP) status. Results were analyzed using bivariate analysis, with chi-square tests for significance (p-value ≤ 0.05). Of the 52 participants who completed at least one Likert response, 55.8% reported their child had a PCP. Responses were somewhat balanced with 44.2% positive for understanding the importance of ASD screening and 53.8% positive for understanding ASD signs and symptoms. For understanding the signs and symptoms of ASD, an unsure response (32.7% of responses) was statistically associated with a lack of PCP (p = 0.017). The balance of positive with negative and unsure responses could reflect lack of ASD knowledge and may relate to healthcare inaccessibility. This is consistent with the significant association between lack of PCP and unsure responses for understanding ASD signs and symptoms. ASD screening and education in safety-net clinics like JayDoc could be valuable, particularly for children without a PCP.

Examination of the Attitudes of Sports Science Students Towards Autism Spectrum Disorder in Terms of Various Variables

This study aimed to examine the attitudes of sports science students towards Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the context of various variables. The research was conducted in a survey model. To determine the participants' attitudes towards Autism Spectrum Disorder, the "Autism Spectrum Disorder Attitudes Scale (ASDAS)" developed by Flood et al. (2013) and adapted to Turkish by Batum (2019) was employed as the data collection tool. Additionally, a 9-item personal information form was included in the data collection tool, addressing participants' gender, academic class, major, the presence of individuals with autism in their immediate surroundings, willingness to work with individuals with autism, participation in programs, seminars, or courses related to autism, knowledge about the educational settings and processes for individuals with autism, awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder in society, and preferred educational environment for individuals with autism. The data collected from the participants were analyzed using SPSS-25 software. A total of 239 students, consisting of 89 females and 150 males, participated in the study. The results indicated significant differences in the attitudes of students towards Autism Spectrum Disorder concerning the gender variable and the knowledge sub-dimension of ASDAS, the desire to work with individuals with autism and the social attitude and personal distance sub-dimensions of ASDAS, knowledge about the educational settings and processes for individuals with autism and the personal distance sub-dimension of ASDAS, awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder in society and the total score and knowledge sub-dimension of ASDAS, the major variable and the personal distance sub-dimension of ASDAS, and the preferred educational environment for individuals with autism and the social attitude and knowledge sub-dimensions of ASDAS. In conclusion, it was observed that attitudes towards Autism Spectrum Disorder are not solely determined by individuals' educational level or knowledge but are also influenced by social, cultural, and individual factors.

Age at initial diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders: a retrospective comparison of screening techniques between the southern and northwestern regions of Switzerland.

Early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) offers the possibility of early intervention and, in turn, gains in adaptive behaviour, language and cognition. The aim of the present study was to analyse whether age at diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders decreased in two regions of Switzerland from 2006 to 2016 following the implementation of different screening and referral techniques. In southern Switzerland, systematic paediatric screening using the Modified Checklist for Autism (M-CHAT) in toddlers was implemented in 2013, whereas in northwestern Switzerland, periodic trainings were used to increase paediatrician awareness of ASD. We investigated which method was associated with a younger average age at diagnosis. We conducted a retrospective, two-centre study searching clinical records of children and adolescents (aged 0-16 years) diagnosed with ASD in two neuropaediatric departments at Swiss hospitals between January 2006 and December 2016. All patients were diagnosed via a standardised evaluation based on two approved diagnostic tests: the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition (ADOS-2) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R). In southern Switzerland, training and subsequent widespread use of the M-CHAT among paediatricians appeared to contribute to a significantly younger age at diagnosis. Age at diagnosis did not significantly decrease during the same period in northwestern Switzerland. Our results point to the possibility of successfully reducing age at diagnosis in specific geographic areas through the implementation of screening questionnaires, such as the M-CHAT, at year 2 well-baby visits.

Bir İlçedeki Sağlık Çalışanlarının Otizm Spektrum Bozukluğu Hakkındaki Bilgi Düzeylerinin İncelenmesi

Amaç: Otizm spektrum bozukluğu küresel boyutta önemli bir halk sağlığı sorunu hâline gelmiştir. Otizm spektrum bozukluğunun klinik seyri, sağlık çalışanlarının erken teşhis koyma ve müdahale etme becerisine bağlıdır. Bu nedenle sağlık alanında çalışan profesyoneller, otizm spektrum bozukluğunun semptomlarını tanıma ve gerektiğinde sevk etme bilgi ve yeterliliğine sahip olmalıdır. Bu çalışma, sağlık çalışanlarının çocuklarda otizm spektrum bozukluğuna ilişkin bilgi düzeylerini ve bilgi düzeylerini etkileyen faktörleri belirlemeyi amaçlamaktadır.&#x0D; Yöntem: Çalışma, kesitsel ve tanımlayıcı tiptedir. Çalışmanın örneklemini Silifke ilçesinde görev yapmakta olan sağlık çalışanları (n=269) oluşturmaktadır. Veriler, sosyodemografik veri formu ve Sağlık Çalışanlarının Çocukluk Çağı Otizmi Hakkında Bilgisi Anketi yoluyla toplanmıştır. Tanımlayıcı istatistikler; ortalama, standart sapma ve yüzde olarak verilmiştir. Ölçek puanlarının demografik verilere göre farklılıkları Student’s t-testi ve tek yön ANOVA testi ile değerlendirilmiştir.&#x0D; Bulgular: Sağlık çalışanlarının ölçek puan ortalaması 12.36 ± 4.14’tür. Hekim, hemşire ve ebelerin puan ortalamaları diğer sağlık çalışanlarından anlamlı derecede yüksektir. Ayrıca otizm hakkında eğitime katılmış ve daha önce otizm şüphesiyle yönlendirme yapmış olan sağlık çalışanlarının ölçek puanları diğerlerinden anlamlı derecede yüksektir.&#x0D; Sonuç: Mevcut çalışma, sağlık çalışanlarının otizm spektrum bozukluğu hakkındaki bilgilerinin istenen düzeyde olmadığını göstermektedir. Bu nedenle sağlık çalışanlarının lisans eğitimi sürecinde otizm spektrum bozukluğuna daha geniş yer ayrılmalı, sağlık çalışanlarına yönelik farkındalık artırıcı eğitimler düzenli aralıklarla tekrarlanmalıdır.

Mistreatments Of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The Editor, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is an umbrella, constructed to describe difficulties in social communication, with a very confined range of interests and fixed patterns along with atypical sensory-motor behaviors beginning in early childhood. It is estimated that over 350,000 children are on the spectrum in Pakistan, and the prevalence continues to rise(1). Research and studies have shown that early intervention has a positive effect on the later development of children on the spectrum (2). In a child’s life, a sensitive stage of development called the critical period is the time when new connections (synapses) are made that are influenced by environmental stimuli and personal experiences of the child (3). Established diagnosis and intervention in this period influences the brain’s neural plasticity. Hence filling the gap between the child’s growth margin and typically developing peers and supporting their way into adulthood with the competencies necessary to live an independent and carefree life. In underdeveloped nations like Pakistan, there is inadequate knowledge and awareness of ASD. Children are misdiagnosed and caregivers are deluded into the thought of a cure of autism due to the existence of various superstitions and necromantic beliefs(4). Different oil mixtures, herbal medicines, and several other home remedies are practiced: some to elude over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity, some to magically make the child speak etc. However, these practices have no effect, other than losing precious years of the child’s life (5). Parents and caregivers of autistic children should be counseled that ASD is not a disease to cure but a way to adapt. They should be convinced that being autistic is not because some pathogen invaded the brain; rather it is because the brain is wired differently and functions at its own pace. Seminars and webinars should be held for caregivers to help them deal with the psychosocial issues and the social stigma surrounding ASD. There is also a need to create awareness at the government level to better equip people, professionals, and healthcare systems to better cater for the needs of children with ASD. Moreover, efforts should be made to make ASD screening a part of universal pediatric screening so that intervention is provided as early as possible. There is a growing need to understand that ASD is not a curse manifested but an individuality to celebrate.

Prediction of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children: A Detailed Systematic Review on Machine Learning and Deep Learning Methods

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a serious, chronic neurodevelopmental illness characterized by developmental difficulties that are permanent or restrict the growth of thinking, behaviour, activities, and social-communication skills. The signs of autism are more pronounced and more straightforward to identify in youngsters between the ages of two and three. Although there is no permanent cure for ASD, it is still challenging to identify meltdowns or other difficulties in the early stages of medical care. In order to promote brain development and raise awareness of ASD among parents and caregivers, the survey’s objective was to identify ASD at an early stage. Methods like deep learning (DL) and machine learning (ML) are currently employed to predict autism spectrum illnesses. This study provides an in-depth review of papers that predict ASD using ML and DL, as well as data analysis and classification techniques. Additionally, this survey intends to categorize and examine the various ML and DL approaches, as well as to describe the characteristics of ASD, assess performance, and show the scope of future research. For upcoming academics who want to study ASD prediction using ML and DL, this publication offers a road map.

Prediction of Autism Spectrum Disorder based on Machine Learning Approach

Abstract: In recent years, awareness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has grown faster than before. As everyone is aware, ASD is a disorder of neurodevelopment that also encompasses problems with conduct and social interaction. The degree of symptom severity and each individual's experience with ASD vary. Any age can be used to diagnose autism. According to research, violence, self-harm, elopement. tantrums, preoccupation, and lack of obedience are behaviour patterns most frequently observed in people with autism. Therefore, it is imperative to spot any sign of severe ASD as soon as possible. ML methods like Random Forest, Naive Bayes, Decision Tree, K- Nearest Neighbour, Logistic Regression, and Support Vector Machine (SVM) are employed in this work. With the use of algorithms that have been used to decide which gives accurate results in terms of speed and accuracy, performance metrics assist in examining the degree of correctness of each piece of data across all users. ML methods like Random Forest, Naive Bayes, Decision Tree, K-Nearest Neighbour, Logistic Regression, and Support Vector Machine (SVM) are employed in this work. With the use of algorithms that have been used to decide which gives accurate results in terms of speed and accuracy, performance metrics assist in examining the degree of correctness of each piece of data across all users.

Awareness of medical students about autism spectrum disorders

Background. The level of awareness of future doctors is an important factor that can further affect the quality of life of children with autism spectrum disorders. The problem has both scientific significance due to the lack of such studies in domestic science, and practical significance for identifying problem areas in the system of pediatric education.&#x0D; Aim. To identify the level of awareness of pediatric faculties students about autism spectrum disorders, methods for their diagnosis and treatment, technologies for non-medical intervention.&#x0D; Material and methods. A questionnaire, aimed at identifying the awareness of medical students about autism, methods of its diagnosis, patient routing and self-assessment of knowledge, was developed. The questionnaire included 29 questions, which could be conditionally divided into blocks: questions on knowledge about autism, action scenarios and routing, self-assessment of awareness of autism spectrum disorders, assessment of environmental components for children with such disorders, passport. Data collection was carried out using Google forms. The survey involved 408 students of pediatric faculties of 7 Russian medical universities of Kazan, Yaroslavl, Nizhny Novgorod, Krasnoyarsk, Irkutsk, Izhevsk, Kirov. The survey was conducted in December 2020. The type of research can be defined as a questionnaire survey, which was carried out in two stages (field and analytical) from December 2020 to March 2021. The survey was conducted among 14th year (144 people), 5th year (116 people) and 6th year students (125 people). The selection of subgroups was due to the specifics of the educational process: until the second semester of the 4th year, pediatric students do not study disciplines related to the problem of autism spectrum disorders, 5th year students study neurology and psychiatry, 6th year students additionally have experience in outpatient practice. The obtained data were processed using the SPSS package.&#x0D; Results. Officially accepted in Russia at the time of the survey, the medical interpretation of autism spectrum disorders as a group of complex disintegrative disorders of mental development was indicated by only a third (32.8%) of the medical students surveyed. Another part of the respondents (28.7%) considered autism to be a genetic disorder in the development of the nervous system due to the lack of inhibition of certain genes. The high proportion of students (21.1%) who define autism as mental retardation associated with socio-pedagogical neglect, causes concern. Senior students were more likely to give more relevant answers about the factors of autism spectrum disorders (2=22.318 at p=0.034). Only 14.2% of students were able to indicate the age of the child for screening the risk of such disorders, 19.1% correctly named the scale used for screening. 71.3% of students did not know about non-medical interventions for autism spectrum disorders, more than 90% did not have information about institutions that families with a child with autism can apply for professional help.&#x0D; Conclusion. Insufficient awareness of students of pediatric faculties on the problems of autism spectrum disorders, issues of screening, interventions and routing of children with autism was revealed.

University-Community Mental Health Training Collaboration: Teaching Criminal Legal Stakeholders About Autism.

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are disproportionately represented in the criminal legal system, yet ASD-specific training is rarely provided to frontline clinical staff or legal professionals. This column describes a collaboration between university researchers and a state mental health department to promote ASD awareness, knowledge, and intervention skills among clinical and legal professionals working with autistic individuals with criminal legal involvement. Descriptions of how specific needs were identified, how tailored educational workshops were developed, and how workshop efficacy was assessed are provided. Lessons learned and recommendations for researchers and health care systems interested in similar collaborations are offered.

Recommendations for the Strategic Development of Health Care for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Bavaria

As mental illnesses Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in DSM-V and ICD - 11 are classified under the category of neuronal and mental disorders. ASD manifests itself them selves in early childhood. A valid, early diagnosis is a basic prerequisite for the provision of appropriate treatment and support services as well as any care planning in all relevant areas such as therapy and early intervention. On the basis of a participatory, scientific developmental process for the formulation of recommendations for the first Bavarian ASD strategy from 2018 to 2021, principles, goals, fields of action and measures for optimizing the care for people with ASD and their relatives were defined. It became clear that there is a need, in particular, to raise awareness of ASD, further generation and provision of knowledge about ASD, expansion of specialized services for early detection, counseling and diagnostics, as well as comprehensive access to early support and therapy.

Age of autism diagnosis in Latin American and Caribbean countries.

An earlier diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder might lead to earlier intervention. However, people living in Latin American and Caribbean countries do not have much knowledge about autism spectrum disorder symptoms. It has been suggested that the older a child is when diagnosed, the fewer opportunities he or she will have to receive services. We asked 2520 caregivers of autistic children in six different Latin America and Caribbean Countries, the child's age when they noticed some developmental delays and their child's age when they received their first autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. Results indicate that, on average, caregivers were concerned about their child's development by 22 months of age; however, the diagnosis was received when the child was 46 months of age. In addition, older children with better language abilities and public health coverage (opposed to private health coverage) were diagnosed later. On the contrary, children with other medical problems and more severe behaviors received an earlier diagnosis. In our study, children were diagnosed around the time they entered formal schooling, delaying the access to early intervention programs. In summary, the characteristics of the autistic person and the type of health coverage influence the age of diagnosis in children living in Latin America and Caribbean Countries.