Correlates of age at diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders in six Canadian regions

Abstract

Early identification of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is important, since earlier exposure to behavioural intervention programs may result in better outcomes for the child. Moreover, it allows families timely access to other treatments and supports.

Using generalized linear modeling, we examined the association between child and family characteristics and the age at which 2180 children were diagnosed with ASD between 1997 and 2005 in six Canadian regions.

A diagnosis of pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) or Asperger syndrome, rural residence, diagnosis in more recent years, and foreign birthplace were associated with a later age at diagnosis. Children who are visible minorities or who have siblings with ASD were more likely to be diagnosed earlier. Collectively, these factors explained little of the variation in age at diagnosis, however.

While it is encouraging that ethnocultural identity, neighbourhood income, urban or rural residence, and sex of the child were not major contributors to disparities in the age when children were identified with ASD, more work is needed to determine what does account for the differences observed. Regional variations in the impact of several factors suggest that aggregating data may not be an optimal strategy if the findings are meant to inform policy and clinical practice at the local level.