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Clinico Socio-Demographic Profile of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder from a Mental Health Clinic in Nepal: An
Utkarsh Karki1, Amit Jha1, Samjhana Parajuli2
1Mental Health Unit, Synergy Mind Clinic, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Insights
This study found Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is more common in males and first-born children in Nepal. Early diagnosis of ASD is linked to better outcomes for children.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Pediatric Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with early childhood onset.
- Limited data exists on the clinical characteristics of ASD in Nepal.
- Understanding the profile of ASD in Nepal is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the clinical and socio-demographic profile of children diagnosed with ASD in Nepal.
- To analyze the characteristics of ASD presentation in a Nepalese clinical setting.
Main Methods:
- An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted.
- Data from 138 children diagnosed with ASD at a Nepalese Mental Health Clinic between September 2022 and March 2024 were analyzed.
- Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics.
Main Results:
- The mean age of ASD diagnosis was 42.94 months.
- Males constituted 79.69% of the diagnosed children, with a male to female ratio of 3.9:1.
- Parental or relative concerns were the most common reasons for seeking diagnosis, followed by pediatrician referrals. Mean CARS and VSMS scores indicated mild to moderate ASD symptoms and socio-adaptive impairments.
Conclusions:
- ASD is more prevalent in males and first-born children in this Nepalese cohort.
- Early age at diagnosis for ASD is associated with improved outcomes.
Introduction:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with symptoms manifesting in early childhood. There is limited information regarding the clinical scenario of ASD within Nepal. The study aims to determine the clinical and socio-demographic profile in children with ASD.
Methods:
This was an observational cross-section study which examined the records of children diagnosed with ASD at a Mental Health Clinic in Nepal. Approval for the study was granted by NHRC. The analysis focused on data extracted from clinic records of ASD patients spanning from 16 September 2022 to 15 March 2024 encompassing one and a half years. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 16.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Ill., USA).
Results:
A total of 138 children were diagnosed with ASD, with a mean age of diagnosis at 42.94 ±17.49 months. Among the participants, there were 110 (79.69%) male, 105 (76.01%) first born with a male to female ratio of 3.9:1 and 114 (82.59% ) were going to regular school. Parents' 39 (28.29%) and relatives' 25 (18.01%) concerns were the primary reasons for seeking a diagnosis followed by referrals from pediatricians 19 (13.79%). The mean Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) score of 34.33±3.99 was indicative of mild to moderate symptoms of ASD. The mean Vineland Social Maturity Scale (VSMS) score of 69.02±13.25 was indicative of mild impairment in socio-adaptive functioning.
Conclusions:
The study shows higher rate of ASD among males and first-born children. Early age at diagnosis is encouraging and is associated with better outcomes.
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