Association Between Caregiver Factors and the Timing of Autism Spectrum Disorders Diagnosis

Background:   Past research has documented later ages of diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) for children from ethnic minority backgrounds.  Conceivably, this discrepancy could result in differences in the utilization of early intervention and other important support services.  With advances in our ability to identify autism symptoms earlier than 3 years of age, disparities in children’s age at diagnosis warrant attention and further research. 

Objectives:   In an effort to understand what may lead to differences in age of diagnosis or recognition of symptoms, this study investigated timing of diagnosis for Black and White children with ASD while examining differences among caregiver empowerment levels, magnitude of concerns about early “red flag” behaviors, and attributions of initial symptoms.  Additionally, the association between these "internal caregiver factors'" and the age of ASD diagnosis was explored. 

Methods:   Using survey methods, a total of 168 North Carolina families were recruited and met inclusion criteria for the study.  Caregivers reported on diagnostic factors, empowerment, and concerns/beliefs related to initial ASD-related symptoms. 

Results:   Although, there were no statistically significant group differences found in the age at diagnosis of ASD or among internal factors, caregivers’ level of concern about initial ASD symptoms and caregivers’ attributions of the symptoms to behavioral problems were related to the age of ASD diagnosis. 

Conclusions:   This research provides new information about the importance of parental concerns and attributions in the quest to identify children at risk for ASD at younger ages.  Although a variety of factors appear to impact the age of diagnosis of ASD, the role of caregivers should not be underestimated, especially in the absence of routine ASD screening by some medical care providers.  Furthermore, these findings provide implications for promoting public awareness of symptoms related to ASD.