Pediatric and psychiatric models of autism care in Mexico: Differences in diagnostic tools and prescribed interventions.

This study looked at autism services in two Mexican hospitals. It found big differences in how autism is diagnosed and treated. Nearly half of doctors didn't use proper diagnostic tools, and most children were given medications rather than behavioral therapies. The children's hospital offered more evidence-based therapies like ABA, while the psychiatric hospital focused more on life skills training. The study shows autism care varies widely across different healthcare settings in Mexico.

This study examined autism care practices across two specialized centers in Mexico - a pediatric hospital and a psychiatric hospital. Researchers interviewed families to understand diagnostic approaches and treatment offerings. Significant gaps were identified: 47% of clinicians didn't use standardized diagnostic tools, 20% of patients received no psychosocial interventions, while 88% received medication prescriptions. The pediatric hospital was more likely to provide evidence-based interventions like ABA, ESDM, TEACCH, and sensory integration therapy, while the psychiatric hospital focused more on learning, daily living skills, and socialization therapies.

Testing approaches also differed, with psychiatric settings emphasizing auditory/vision assessments and pediatric settings using more genetic testing and imaging. The variability highlights inconsistent autism care standards in Mexico.

Findings highlight urgent need for standardized autism diagnostic protocols and treatment guidelines in Mexico. The over-prescription of medication relative to psychosocial interventions suggests training gaps in evidence-based autism interventions. Different hospital types show varying service models, indicating need for coordinated care standards across healthcare settings.

Sample size not reported. Study design unclear from abstract. Limited to two centers in Mexico, reducing generalizability. Relies on family interviews rather than direct clinical observation. No comparison to international standards or outcome measures provided.

Low- and middle-income countries face heterogeneity in the way clinicians' approach Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis and treatment. The current study analyzes the diagnostic tools, laboratory tests, pharmacological and psychosocial interventions received by patients during the steps to diagnosis and treatment of two specialized care centers. Researchers interviewed families with a child with ASD receiving services at either a child psychiatric or a pediatric hospital. Of the total sample, 47% reported clinicians not using a diagnostic tool, 20% reported not receiving any psychosocial intervention, and 88% reported receiving a pharmacological prescription.

Patients at the pediatric hospital were more likely to receive interventions with some components of Applied Behavioral Analysis, Early Start Denver Model, Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children, and Sensory integration therapy; while patients at the psychiatric hospital were more likely to undergo learning, daily living skills, and socialization therapies. Patients at the psychiatric hospital received significantly more requests to obtain auditory and vision tests whilst genetic testing and imaging were more common in the pediatric hospital. The range and variability in terms of diagnostic tools, laboratory tests, and treatment options observed for both sites reflect a lack of consensus. Recommendations to improve ASD diagnostic and treatment in Mexico are given.