1 in 4 autistic adolescents in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area are undiagnosed
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A recent study examined the prevalence and characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among adolescents aged 16 years in a metropolitan region of New York / New Jersey. ASD prevalence was 17.7 per 1000, with higher rates among males and white adolescents compared to females and minorities. About 1 in 4 adolescents with ASD did not have a prior ASD diagnosis. A majority (59%) of adolescents with ASD had co-occurring psychiatric or developmental disorders, most commonly ADHD, anxiety, mood disorders, and intellectual disability. Compared to ASD cases identified at age 8 years in this cohort, the prevalence was stable but fewer had autism special education eligibility at 16 years. Cases identified only at 16 years tended to have milder impairment, higher IQ, and more co-occurring disorders compared to cases identified earlier. The findings indicate a significant burden of undiagnosed ASD and co-occurring disorders among adolescents, posing challenges for care and support. Ongoing monitoring of ASD prevalence and comorbidities among adolescents is needed to guide health services planning.
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1 in 4 autistic adolescents in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area are undiagnosed
1 in 4 autistic adolescents in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area are undiagnosed
1 in 4 autistic adolescents in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area are undiagnosed
A recent study examined the prevalence and characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among adolescents aged 16 years in a metropolitan region of New York / New Jersey. ASD prevalence was 17.7 per 1000, with higher rates among males and white adolescents compared to females and minorities. About 1 in 4 adolescents with ASD did not have a prior ASD diagnosis. A majority (59%) of adolescents with ASD had co-occurring psychiatric or developmental disorders, most commonly ADHD, anxiety, mood disorders, and intellectual disability. Compared to ASD cases identified at age 8 years in this cohort, the prevalence was stable but fewer had autism special education eligibility at 16 years. Cases identified only at 16 years tended to have milder impairment, higher IQ, and more co-occurring disorders compared to cases identified earlier. The findings indicate a significant burden of undiagnosed ASD and co-occurring disorders among adolescents, posing challenges for care and support. Ongoing monitoring of ASD prevalence and comorbidities among adolescents is needed to guide health services planning.
The AutSide is a reader-supported publication. To support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber.