Socioeconomic Factors and Clinical Characteristics Associated with Age at Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis
Issued Date
2024-01-01
Resource Type
eISSN
22288082
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85203866732
Journal Title
Siriraj Medical Journal
Volume
76
Issue
9
Start Page
589
End Page
594
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Siriraj Medical Journal Vol.76 No.9 (2024) , 589-594
Suggested Citation
Chantaraseno S., Amornphetchakul T., Wannapaschaiyong P. Socioeconomic Factors and Clinical Characteristics Associated with Age at Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis. Siriraj Medical Journal Vol.76 No.9 (2024) , 589-594. 594. doi:10.33192/smj.v76i9.268770 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/101276
Title
Socioeconomic Factors and Clinical Characteristics Associated with Age at Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis
Author's Affiliation
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Objective: Investigate factors influencing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis in children under and over 36 months, and determine the average age for ASD diagnosis at Charoenkrung Pracharak Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, after implementing ASD screening. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study of 252 children with ASD aged 1–15 years from 2014 to 2023, classified into ≤36 months (n=104) and >36 months (n=148) at diagnosis. Demographic, clinical data and child/family factors were analyzed using multivariate regression analysis. Results: Mean age at ASD diagnosis was 44.77 ± 19.91 months. Attending well-baby clinics (aOR 2.64, p=0.038), higher family income ≥ 814 US dollars per month (aOR 2.33, p=0.020), and higher parental education (aOR 3.43, p=0.011) were significantly associated with diagnosis before 36 months. Hyperactivity as the main complaint (aOR 0.07, p=0.001) and global developmental delay/intellectual disability (aOR 0.45, p=0.023) predicted later diagnosis. Child’s gender, being an only child, sibling order, and parental age had no significant impact. Conclusion: Over half of all ASD diagnoses occurred after age 3, with an average age around 44 months. Regular attendance in well-child clinics allowing ASD screening, and higher socioeconomic status and parental education facilitated earlier diagnosis. In contrast, concerns about hyperactivity and global developmental delay often lead to delayed ASD assessment. Enhancing awareness of ASD among families with limited resources can promote timely diagnosis and access to intervention.