Findings of a Multidisciplinary Assessment of Children Referred for Possible Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Insights from a Retrospective Chart Review Study

Abstract

Children with ASD have a wide spectrum of functional deficits in multiple neurodevelopmental domains. A multidisciplinary team assessment (MDT) is required to assess those deficits to help construct a multimodal intervention plan. This is a retrospective chart review of the assessment for children who were referred for an assessment of potential neurodevelopmental disorders. We reviewed 221 participants’ charts from January 2019 to January 2020. The mean age of the children was 7.95 ± 3.69, while the mean age of the fathers and mothers was 37.31 ± 8.57 and 31.95 ± 6.93, respectively. Consanguinity was as high as 37.9% for the referred children with developmental delay who were first-degree related, and 13.2% of the parents were second-degree relatives. Approximately 26.6% of children had a family history of mental illness in first-degree relatives. ASD was the most commonly reported diagnosis post-assessment, and ADHD was the most common reported comorbidity at 64.3% and 88.5%, respectively. The MDT findings showed that 58% of children required moderate or higher assistance with toileting, 79.2% were unable to answer yes/no questions, and 86.8% were unable to understand “wh” questions. Only 26% of the nonverbal children had average IQ testing results, and 31% of verbal children did. In conclusion, the mean age of the children when assessed was above that recommended for early screening and intervention. An increased paternal and maternal age was noticeable. Consanguinity and a family history of mental disorders in first-degree relatives were high, attesting to a possible genetic risk.

Comprehensive evaluation of the child with global developmental delays or intellectual disability

“…69,70) Individuals with GDD/ID may have various physical, behavioral, and mental-health comorbidities, including epilepsy, vision and hearing impairments, ADHD, aggressive or self-injurious behavior, sleep disturbances, obstructive sleep apnea, recurrent chest infections, malnutrition, constipation, gastroesophageal reflux disease, movement disorders, and orthopedic deformities. 71,72) Individuals with GDD/ID must be evaluated by a…”

Raising Hopes, Facing Challenges: Understanding Parental Well-Being in the Midst of Autism in Saudi Arabia

“…According to a systematic review of the epidemiology of autism in the Gulf countries, the prevalence ranges from 1.4 to 29 per 10,000 persons [3]. However, there are limited data on the national prevalence of ASD in Saudi Arabia, with a few studies citing prevalence rates of 18 per 10,000 and 1 in 167 individuals [4]. Autism is expected to cost an average of SAR 60,000 annually throughout childhood [5].…”