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Published on: October 3, 2018
Characteristics and treatment patterns of autism spectrum disorder in China, 2020
Yanan Luo1, Yanan Zhao2, Yiran Wang3
1Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China.
Insights
This study examined characteristics and treatment of 4,557 Chinese children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in 2020. Most received behavioral or therapy treatments, but 3% received none, with higher odds for males and later diagnoses.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Public Health
Background:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition.
- Understanding ASD prevalence and treatment patterns in diverse populations is crucial for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the demographic and familial characteristics of children diagnosed with ASD in China.
- To estimate the treatment patterns for ASD in Chinese children in 2020.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the 2020 Survey on Family Circumstance and Demand Support and Resources among Autistic Children in China.
- Analyzed questionnaires completed by parents of 4,557 children aged 2-16 years diagnosed with ASD.
- Employed statistical analysis to determine characteristics and treatment disparities.
Main Results:
- The study identified a male-to-female ratio of 5.75:1 among children with ASD.
- Average age of first reported ASD risk symptoms was 27.97 months; 84.82% received behavioral/developmental treatments, 77.74% received therapy.
- 3% of children received no treatment, with higher odds for males and later ASD diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- ASD in China presents with a significant male predominance and is associated with parental education and age.
- While most children receive some form of treatment, disparities in access exist, particularly for males and those diagnosed later.
- Further research into ASD etiology and policy interventions are needed to address treatment access barriers.
Abstract:
This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of children diagnosed with ASD in China and to estimate ASD treatment patterns in 2020. This study used data from the 2020 Survey on Family Circumstance and Demand Support and Resources among Autistic Children in China. The study sample included 4,557 children diagnosed with ASD aged 2-16 years old. Data were collected through questionnaires completed by parents. Of the 4,557 children with ASD, there was a male-to-female ratio of 5.75:1, and the average age when ASD risk symptoms were first reported was 27.97(SD=10.83) months. Higher proportions of families with highly educated parents (college and above; around 58%) and advanced parental age at childbirth (≥35 years; over 50%) were found among autistic children. Additionally, about 41.05% of autistic children had an immediate family member diagnosed with mental/intellectual disorders. In terms of the treatment patterns for autistic children, 84.82% had received behavioral and developmental treatments and 77.74% had received therapy-based treatments, whereas 3% children had not received any treatment. Higher odds of non-treatment were found among children who were male (OR=1.69, 95% CI: 1.01,3.03) and had ASD diagnosed later on (OR= 1.02, 95% CI:1.01,1.03), as compared to their counterparts. Future studies will need to explore the etiology of the disparities of ASD, and policy efforts are critically needed to understand and address the barriers for children with ASD to receive appropriate treatments.
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