Effects of Intersectionality Along the Pathway to Diagnosis for Autistic Children With and Without Co-occurring Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in a Nationally-Representative Sample.

This study looked at how long it takes children to get an autism diagnosis, comparing those with autism only versus autism plus ADHD. Children from minority backgrounds and girls faced longer waits for diagnosis. Having more complex symptoms also led to longer diagnostic journeys. The researchers found that multiple factors combine to create unfair delays in getting a diagnosis, especially affecting children from underrepresented communities.

This study examined diagnostic pathways for autistic children with and without co-occurring ADHD using nationally-representative data (n=404). Results revealed significant racial/ethnic and gender disparities in both groups, with race, symptom complexity, and co-occurring conditions predicting both age at final diagnosis and wait times between first concern and diagnosis. The study highlights how intersectionality creates compounding effects on access to autism diagnosis, with children from underrepresented groups and those with complex presentations experiencing particularly prolonged diagnostic journeys. Findings suggest systematic barriers in the diagnostic process that disproportionately affect certain populations.

Results highlight need for culturally responsive diagnostic practices and systematic changes to reduce disparities. Clinicians should be aware of potential bias affecting diagnosis timing for children from underrepresented groups and those with complex presentations. Early identification protocols may need modification to address intersectional barriers.

Study type and specific methodology unclear from abstract. Sample size breakdown shows small ASD-only group (n=52) versus larger ASD+ADHD group (n=352), limiting comparisons. Specific wait times and ages not quantified in abstract.

Children with complex behavioral profiles (e.g., ASD + ADHD) may experience delays in obtaining a final diagnosis. Low-resource or underrepresented groups may be at even greater risk for delayed diagnosis. We assessed the effect of sociodemographic factors, symptom complexity and co-occurring conditions, and identifier of first symptoms on diagnostic trajectories among children aged 3-17 years diagnosed with ASD (n = 52) or ASD + ADHD (n = 352) from a nationally-representative sample. Race/ethnicity and gender disparities were evident in both groups.

Race, symptom complexity, and co-occuring conditions predicted age of final diagnosis and wait time between first concern and final diagnosis, both of which were staggeringly high. Results suggest a complex influence of sociodemographic factors on the diagnostic pathway, and risk of health disparities as a function of intersectionality.