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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology 12/2011

01-12-2011 | Original Paper

Social and demographic factors that influence the diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorders

Authors: Ginny Russell, Colin Steer, Jean Golding

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 12/2011

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Abstract

Purpose

Recent studies in epidemiology have highlighted the existence of children with autistic difficulties who remain undiagnosed. Other studies have identified ‘access barriers’ to clinics which include factors mediated by parents as well as health and education services. The purpose of this study was to examine whether social and demographic factors play a role in receiving a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) independently of symptom severity.

Methods

Retrospective secondary analysis of a longitudinal UK cohort study, namely, the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC).

Results

With the severity of autistic traits held constant, boys were more likely to receive an ASD diagnosis than girls. Younger mothers and mothers of first-born children were significantly less likely to have children diagnosed with ASD. Maternal depression before and around the time of their children’s autistic difficulties was associated with lack of diagnosis.

Conclusions

The study provides evidence that social as well as biological factors can influence whether children are brought to the clinic.
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Metadata
Title
Social and demographic factors that influence the diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorders
Authors
Ginny Russell
Colin Steer
Jean Golding
Publication date
01-12-2011
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 12/2011
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-010-0294-z

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