Early Behavioural Signs among Nepalese Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Neurodevelopmental disorders
• Pediatric psychology
• Global child health

Background:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition.
• Early identification of ASD symptoms is critical for effective intervention.
• Diagnosing young children with ASD presents challenges due to variable symptom presentation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of early behavioral signs in Nepalese children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• To provide insights into the emergence of early behavioral signs in a specific pediatric population.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Kathmandu, Nepal.
• The study included 120 children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• Data were collected between January and June 2023, with prevalence calculated at a 95% Confidence Interval.

Main Results:

• A high prevalence of early behavioral signs was observed in 93.33% of the 120 children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• The 95% Confidence Interval for the prevalence was calculated as 88.83-97.77%.

Conclusions:

• The findings indicate a high emergence rate of early behavioral signs in Nepalese children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• These results align with global patterns, suggesting universal challenges and indicators in ASD presentation.