Socio-Demographic and Clinical Profile of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Study of 100 Cases

Abstract

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) represents a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by deficits in social interaction, communication and restricted, repetitive behaviours. Understanding socio-demographic factors and clinical features in local populations is essential for early diagnosis and intervention. Objective: To evaluate the status socio-demographic profile and clinical characteristics of children diagnosed with ASD attending a tertiary care hospital. Methods: Study was conducted at child development center (CDC) of Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute on 100 children aged 1–12 years diagnosed with ASD. Socio-demographic information, developmental history behavioural profile and comorbidities were recorded. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: Majority of children were males (78%). Most belonged to the 2–5 year age group (54%). Delayed speech was the most common presenting concern (82%). First parental concern appeared at a mean age of 20.5 months, Common clinical features included poor eye contact (86%), limited social reciprocity (74%), repetitive behaviours (68%) and sensory abnormalities (56%). Comorbid conditions were present in 48% most commonly ADHD (22%) and speech-language disorders (18%). Socioeconomically, 62% belonged to middle-income families and 44% had parents with graduate-level education. Family history of neurodevelopmental disorders was noted in 14%. Conclusion: The findings highlight male predominance, diagnostic delays, high prevalence of speech delay and behavioural abnormalities and significant comorbidity burden in children with ASD. Early screening and parent education programs may reduce diagnostic gap and improve outcomes.