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Early diagnoses of autism spectrum disorders in Massachusetts birth cohorts, 2001-2005

Susan E Manning1, Carol A Davin, Wanda D Barfield

  • 1Department of Public Health, Bureau of Family Health and Nutrition, Massachusetts Boston, Massachusetts, USA. aci6@cdc.gov

Pediatrics
|May 18, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Early autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses are rising in Massachusetts. Factors like maternal age and language impact early ASD diagnosis rates, with boys diagnosed more often than girls.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Public Health Surveillance

Background:

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition.
  • Early diagnosis and intervention are critical for improving outcomes in children with ASD.
  • Understanding trends and predictors of early ASD diagnoses is essential for public health planning.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine trends in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses by 36 months of age in Massachusetts.
  • To identify characteristics associated with early ASD diagnoses in infants.

Main Methods:

  • Linked Massachusetts birth certificate and early intervention program data for infants born 2001-2005.
  • Analyzed trends using Cochran-Armitage tests and compared characteristics using chi-squared statistics.
  • Employed multivariate logistic regression to identify predictors of early ASD diagnoses.

Main Results:

  • ASD incidence increased from 56 to 93 per 10,000 infants between 2001 and 2005.
  • Younger maternal age, non-English primary language, and foreign-born status were associated with lower odds of early ASD diagnosis.
  • Maternal age over 30 and male sex were associated with increased odds of early ASD diagnosis (boys 4.5 times higher odds).

Conclusions:

  • Early ASD diagnoses are increasing in Massachusetts, aligning with national trends.
  • Linking early intervention data with vital statistics aids in monitoring ASD trends.
  • This approach is valuable for planning developmental and educational services for children with ASD.
Abstract

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