A descriptive hospital based study of children with autism

Area of Science:

• Developmental Pediatrics
• Child Psychology
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Background:

• Autistic disorder is a complex neurodevelopmental condition affecting social interaction and communication.
• Accurate and timely diagnosis is essential for effective intervention and support.
• Referral populations often present diagnostic challenges and delays.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the clinical and neurodevelopmental profile of children with Autistic disorder.
• To assess the accuracy of prior diagnoses in a referral population.
• To characterize the common features and severity of Autistic disorder in young children.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 51 children with Autistic disorder from a referral population was studied.
• Detailed clinical history, physical examination, and developmental assessments were performed.
• Standard diagnostic tools and screening tests were applied based on age, with re-evaluation at 2 years.

Main Results:

• Only 5.8% of children received an accurate diagnosis prior to referral.
• The mean age of presentation was 3.28 years.
• Ninety-six percent of children exhibited developmental delay; social interaction and communication impairments were more prevalent than restricted interests.

Conclusions:

• There is a significant delay in the accurate diagnosis of Autistic disorder in the studied population.
• Developmental delay and social-communication deficits are hallmark features in young children with Autistic disorder.
• Early identification and intervention are critical, as confirmed by the later diagnosis in children under 2 years.