Early Behavioural Signs among Nepalese Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Authors

  • Manju Shrestha Centre For Autism, Baluwatar, Kathmandu, Nepal.
  • Rinkal Suwal B.P. Eye Foundation, Lokanthali, Bhaktapur, Nepal.
  • Niranjan Thapa Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences, Sanobharyang, Kathmandu, Nepal.
  • Suchit Thapa Chhetri Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences, Sanobharyang, Kathmandu, Nepal.
  • Bishal Kunwor Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences, Sanobharyang, Kathmandu, Nepal.
  • Shiva Kumar Regmi Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences, Sanobharyang, Kathmandu, Nepal.
  • Oshan Shrestha Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences, Sanobharyang, Kathmandu, Nepal.
  • Bipin Mehta Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences, Sanobharyang, Kathmandu, Nepal.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31729/jnma.8499

Keywords:

autism spectrum disorder; behavior; children; language; sleep.

Abstract

Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex neurodevelopmental condition. Early identification of symptoms is crucial for timely intervention, yet diagnosing very young children can be challenging due to the variability in symptom presentation and the influence of other developmental factors. This study aimed to find the prevalence of the emergence of early behavioural signs in Nepalese children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Centre for Autism in Kathmandu, Nepal, from January 2023 to June 2023. Ethical approval was obtained, and a sample of 120 children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder was included in the study. Convenience sampling method was used. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated.

Results: Among 120 children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, the prevalence of emergence of early behavioural signs was seen in 112 (93.33%) (88.83-97.77, 95% Confidence Interval) children.

Conclusions: This study provides insights into the emergence of early behavioural signs in Nepalese children with Autism Spectrum Disorder which align with global patterns in prevalence and severity.

Author Biography

Manju Shrestha, Centre For Autism, Baluwatar, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Health

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Published

2024-02-29

How to Cite

Shrestha, M., Suwal, R., Thapa, N., Thapa Chhetri, S. ., Kunwor, B., Regmi, S. K., Shrestha, O., & Mehta, B. (2024). Early Behavioural Signs among Nepalese Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study. Journal of Nepal Medical Association, 62(271), 207–210. https://doi.org/10.31729/jnma.8499

Issue

Vol. 62 No. 271 (2024): JNMA: Published Monthly

Section

Original Article

License

Copyright (c) 2024 Manju Shrestha, Rinkal Suwal, Niranjan Thapa, Mr Suchit Thapa Chhetri, Bishal Kunwor, Shiva Kumar Regmi, Oshan Shrestha, Bipin Mehta

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