Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Prevalence in Somali and Non-Somali Children

Area of Science:

• Public health
• Epidemiology
• Developmental disabilities

Background:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) surveillance is crucial for understanding prevalence disparities.
• Previous research indicates varying ASD rates across different racial and ethnic groups.
• Public health initiatives require accurate data on developmental disorders within specific communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Somali children aged 7-9 years to non-Somali children in Minneapolis.
• To identify potential disparities in ASD identification among different racial and ethnic groups.
• To investigate associated conditions, such as intellectual disability, in Somali children diagnosed with ASD.

Main Methods:

• Adapted methodology from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network.
• Conducted a public health surveillance project in Minneapolis.
• Collected and analyzed data on ASD prevalence in Somali and non-Somali children.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of ASD in Somali children (1 in 32) and White children (1 in 36) was similar.
• Somali and White children were more likely to be identified with ASD than Black and Hispanic children.
• Somali children with ASD had a significantly higher likelihood of intellectual disability compared to other racial and ethnic groups.

Conclusions:

• Public health surveillance highlights similar ASD prevalence in Somali and White children in Minneapolis.
• Racial and ethnic disparities in ASD identification persist, with Somali children showing higher rates than Black and Hispanic children.
• Intellectual disability is a more common co-occurring condition in Somali children with ASD, necessitating targeted support services.