Sociocultural factors associated with Detection of ASD among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities in Australia

Abstract

Abstract Background This study aimed to characterise the most common types of first concerns observed by Australian parents regarding initial autism presentation, the average age of first concern (AOC), and associated sociocultural factors including culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) background of the family. Methods A battery of measures relevant to demographics and information about ASD symptoms was completed for 760 participating children. Results The mean AOC was 18.2 months. The most common concerns were speech/language delay, variations in sociality and hyperactivity/behavioural changes. Multivariate regression analysis identified that children form a CALD background showed more autism traits and later AOC compared to non-CALD children. Conclusion Findings highlighted sociocultural factors that may delay autism diagnosis, and that can be used to create opportunities for earlier identification of autism in multicultural families.