Clinical profile of children with autism spectrum disorder: A study from coastal Karnataka

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in verbal and nonverbal communication and reciprocal social interaction. The present study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of ASD and analyze the possible risk factors in the coastal city of Karnataka. Material and Method: This descriptive study included 30 children diagnosed with ASD. The study was approved by the Institutional ethics committee. After obtaining the informed consent, a structured interview was conducted to get details on symptomatology and possible risk factors followed by a clinical examination. Childhood autism rating scale scoring was used to quantify the severity of autism. The data were analysed using SPSS version 11.5 Results: The observed male to female ratio was 1.3:1. Mean age of presentation was 2.8 years. Speech delay was the predominant symptom on reporting, seen in 70% children. Impaired peer group interaction was the most common social impairment seen in 24 (80%) subjects. Mild, moderate and severe autism was seen in 5(16.7%), 12(40%) and 13(43.3%) subjects respectively. Among the risk factors, forceps delivery and maternal age were significantly related to autism. There was no significant relationship between the severity of autism and gender, birth order or working pattern of parents. Conclusion: Autistic children presented with varying clinical features. There is a need for increased awareness about ASD to facilitate early diagnosis and intervention. The risk factors which predispose to ASD are not clearly understood, hence require further elucidation.