Abstract
Background: Autistic Spectrum disorder is a triad of impairments with 1. Impairment in social reciprocity, 2. Repititive, stereotyped, rigid patterns of unusual behavior and 3. Language abnormalities
Aim: To analyze
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Number of children diagnosed with Autistic spectrum disorder in a year's time (April 2006 to April 2007),
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Number of appointments needed to make ar a definite diagnosis and
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To evaluate the co morbidities associated with ASD
Methods: Study period was from April 2006 to April 2007. All children (New & follow up) who attended Developmental Language Clinic(DLC) were included. Numbers were obtained from
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Outcome list from Dr Fulford (Specialist Paediatrician) and
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Clinic letters from Paediatric Administration file, Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading.
Results: 270 children were analysed. 72% were diagnosed to have ASD/Asperger's syndrome and 24% were diagnosed to have Specific language delay or social communication disorder.
Among the 193 with ASD/Asperger's syndrome, 139 (72%) were diagnosed to have ASD and 55 (28%) as Asperger's syndrome
Peak age at diagnosis was 4 years(range 2 - 11 years ). 46% were referred by GP, 28% by Speech & Language Therapist(SALT) and 22% by Paediatricians.
83% were diagnosed within 2 visits and 93% were diagnosed within 3 visits
Among the comorbidities, 6% had Sensory Modulation Disorder and 4% had Developmental Co-ordination disorder
Conclusion: About three quarters of children referred to DLC were diagnosed to have ASD. 83% of them were diagnosed within 2 visits. All of them were referred to support groups appropriately.
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Venugopalan, V. Audit on Autistic Spectrum Disorder (April 2006 to April 2007). Pediatr Res 70 (Suppl 5), 594 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/pr.2011.819
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/pr.2011.819