Late diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder-Journey, parents' concerns, and sex influences.

This study looked at 258 children who were diagnosed with autism between ages 6-18. Before getting their autism diagnosis, many had been diagnosed with language delays or ADHD, and most were taking medications for behavior problems. Parents' biggest concern when autism was finally diagnosed was their child's difficulty making friends and getting along with other children. Boys and girls showed some differences - boys tended to have better thinking skills but more aggressive behavior.

This retrospective study examined 258 children (205 males, 53 females) who received their first autism spectrum disorder diagnosis between ages 6-18 during 2017-2018. The research analyzed electronic medical records to understand the clinical journey leading to late diagnosis, parental concerns, and sex differences. Prior to autism diagnosis, common preceding diagnoses included language delays and ADHD, with two-thirds of children receiving medications for behavioral conditions. Social relationship difficulties were the most frequently reported parental concern at diagnosis time.

Males showed somewhat higher cognitive functioning and more aggressive behaviors compared to females, highlighting important sex differences in late-diagnosed autism presentation.

Results suggest need for improved early screening protocols, particularly for children presenting with language delays or ADHD. Clinicians should maintain high autism awareness when treating behavioral conditions. Social skills interventions may be priority for late-diagnosed children. Sex differences warrant consideration in assessment and treatment planning.

Single retrospective study design limits causal inferences. Electronic medical record analysis may miss important clinical details. Sample predominantly male (79%), limiting generalizability to females. No comparison group of early-diagnosed children provided for context.

Despite increasing awareness for diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and initiating treatments early in life, many children and adolescents continue to be diagnosed at a relatively older age. Focusing on children who first received an ASD diagnosis at age six or older, this study aimed to describe the symptoms that parents reported when ASD was diagnosed, follow the patients' clinical trajectory prior to receiving the diagnosis, and describe differences in symptoms and prior diagnoses between males and females cases. We included 258 children (205 males and 53 females) who were first diagnosed with autism at age 6-18 in 2017-2018. We retrieved demographic information, neurologic and developmental symptoms, diagnoses, and medications dispensing history from the children's electronic medical charts.

The data indicated that prior diagnoses of language delays and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were common among children with a late ASD diagnosis. Two thirds of the children were prescribed one or more medications to treat psychosocial and behavioral conditions before receiving a late ASD diagnosis. Difficulties in social relationships with peers were the leading reported symptoms by parents at the time of ASD diagnosis. Across these different domains, some differences were found between males and females, including a somewhat higher cognitive level in males, who were also more likely to present aggressive behavior.