Sociocultural factors associated with Detection of ASD among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities in Australia

Abstract

Background This study aimed to characterise the most common types of first concerns observed by Australian parents regarding initial autism presentation, the average age of first concern (AOC), and associated sociocultural factors including culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) background of the family. Methods A battery of measures relevant to demographics and information about ASD symptoms was completed for 760 participating children. Results The mean AOC was 18.2 months. The most common concerns were speech/language delay, variations in sociality and hyperactivity/behavioural changes. Multivariate regression analysis identified that children form a CALD background showed more autism traits and later AOC compared to non-CALD children. Conclusion Findings highlighted sociocultural factors that may delay autism diagnosis, and that can be used to create opportunities for earlier identification of autism in multicultural families.

Screening Tools for Autism in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Paediatric Populations: A Systematic Review

“…Ou et al (14) found that even if the mother spoke English pro ciently, infants from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities were less likely to access health services and receive mental health interventions. A study by Hussain et al (15) found a signi cant link between CALD status and delayed age at which developmental concerns were raised, as well as higher severity of autism symptoms at the time of professional input. In this regard, a multicultural cohort study found an inverse care law in that those from the most disadvantaged backgrounds with the highest risk for developmental problems were least likely to engage with developmental Page 3/20 surveillance programs for early identi cation, thereby missing opportunities for early intervention (13,16).…”