Diagnosis and treatment challenges of pediatric autism spectrum disorder at a reference hospital in Douala, Cameroon

Abstract

Abstract Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disability associated with deficiency in social interaction, unusual development of social communication, and restricted or repetitive behaviors, interests and activities. This study aimed to describe management of pediatric ASD in Cameroon, a resource-constrained Central Africa country. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2021 and May 2022 at Pediatrics department of a reference hospital in the town of Douala. Data of interest of children with ASD were collected through medical records and telephone discussion with their parents. Results A total of 145 children with ASD aged 2–15 years were included, giving a hospital prevalence of 3.7%. Time delay between parental concerns and hospital management was specified in 69 (47.58%) children among them 38 (55.07%) the mean delay ± SD was less than five months. Children were mainly males (76%) and aged 4–5 years (37.93%), with mean age ± SD of 44.4 ± 22.2 years old. The main consultation reason was language delay or absence (100%). Mean time delay between parental concerns and the first medical consultation was 18 months (range 1–60 month). Comorbidities were greatly represented by attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (42.45%). Neuropsychology (66.2%) was the most frequently used intervention. Some children were treated using traditional medicine. Conclusions Management of pediatric ASD is strongly influenced by socioeconomic and cultural context. It is crucial to implement behavioral change campaigns in community, organize training sessions to medical staff on diagnosis and treatment of ASD, and provide specialized centers with skilled staff and equipped material.