Autism Prevalence and the Intersectionality of Assigned Sex at Birth, Race, and Ethnicity on Age of Diagnosis.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

An official autism diagnosis is required to access timely intervention and is associated with better long-term wellbeing and mental health. Certain demographic characteristics, such as being female or a racially or ethnically minoritized youth, have been associated with significant diagnostic lag. However, it remains unclear how assigned sex, race, and ethnicity interact with each other in predicting the prevalence and age of autism diagnosis.

Methods

To examine the interactions between assigned sex, race, and ethnicity, we used data from the National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH; 2016 > 2021).

Results

One in 38 children had an autism diagnosis and 3.8 males were diagnosed per 1 female. Hierarchical linear regressions yielded diagnostic delays in some fem

SUBMITTER: Goldblum JE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10869641 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature