Clinico Socio-Demographic Profile of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder from a Mental Health Clinic in Nepal: An Observational Study

Abstract

Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with symptoms manifesting in early childhood. There is limited information regarding the clinical scenario of ASD within Nepal. The study aims to determine the clinical and socio-demographic profile and evaluate the association between clinical and socio-demographic parameters in children with ASD.

Methods: This was an observational cross-section study which examined the records of children diagnosed with ASD at a Mental Health Clinic in Nepal. Approval for the study was granted by NHRC. The analysis focused on data extracted from clinic records of ASD patients spanning from 16 September 2022 to 15 March 2024 encompassing one and a half years. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 16.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Ill., USA).

Results:A total of 138 children were diagnosed with ASD, with a mean age of diagnosis at 42.94 ±17.49 months.Among the participants, there were 110 (79.69%) male, 105 (76.01%) first born with a male to female ratio of 3.9:1 and 114 (82.59% ) were going to regular school. Parents' 39 (28.29%) and relatives' 25 (18.01%) concerns were the primary reasons for seeking a diagnosis followed by referrals from pediatricians 19 (13.79%). The mean Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) score of 34.33±3.99 was indicative of mild to moderate symptoms of ASD. The mean Vineland Social Maturity Scale (VSMS) score of 69.02±13.25 was indicative of mild impairment in socio-adaptive functioning.

Conclusions: The study shows higher rate of ASD among males and first-born children. Early age at diagnosis is encouraging and is associated with better outcomes.