1208 Ethnic diversity of children and young people with diagnosis of Autistic spectrum disorder- a single centre observation. (17th August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Banerjee, Tapomay; Khan, Amjad; Ajmal, Samira; Arora, Rishi; Przyborek, Dominika
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 107(2022)Supplement 2
• Page Start: A86
• Page End: A86
• Publication Date: 2022-08-17
• Subjects: Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2022-rcpch.137
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : Aims: Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodiverse condition of impaired social communication, interaction/reciprocity and restrictive/repetitive behaviour. A better understanding of the epidemiological distribution of this condition can help in raising awareness in various communities and therefore early diagnosis and intervention can be implemented. NICE guidelines suggest further research is needed to explore causes of under-recognition of autism in at-risk groups like people from poor socio-economic conditions and where English is not the first language(1). The objective of our study is to look at ethnic diversity in children and young people who were diagnosed to have ASD in our service (community paediatric team at Bedford). Bedford is a medium-sized town in Bedfordshire and has a unique and diverse population with 28.5% people from a Black or ethnic minority community according to 2011 census data. We also see children from part of Central Bedfordshire where the ethnic minority population is around 6.5% (2011 census data). Methods: Bedford community paediatric service offers assessment for ASD in children and young people (CYP) younger than 13 years of age. After obtaining the necessary permission from the trust, we requested trust SystmOne analyst to provide us with a list of children and young people who have a confirmed diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder/childhood autism. We received this data on 27/02/2021 and there was a total of 1086 CYPs who have a confirmed diagnosis of ASD. The authors looked at their individual records and documented their ethnicity in a Microsoft Excel datasheet. Results: In 28 cases ethnicity was not documented so they were excluded from the study population. Out of the 1058 CYPs, 849 (80.24%) were from White British/White-other background, 106 (10.01%) from mixed/multiple ethnic groups, 66(6.24%) from Asian/Asian British background, 35 (3.3%) from Black, African, Caribbean/Black British background and 2 (0.2%) from other ethnicity (Arab)(Series 1). Our study had some limitations and potential for selection bias as CYPs above 13 years of age are assessed by local Children and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) and may not be included in our study unless they are known to our service for some other co-morbid conditions. Also, some children may have been diagnosed by independent clinicians although that number is negligible in our experience. Conclusion: Our observations suggest that majority of CYPs diagnosed to have ASD in our service are from White British/White other backgrounds with a relatively small proportion from ethnic minority population. The authors recommend that more targeted education/parental support is necessary for ethnic minority groups to raise awareness and ensure early diagnosis intervention and support. Reference: Autism spectrum disorder in under 19s: recognition, referral and diagnosis. Clinical guideline [CG128]Published: 28 September 2011 Last updated: 20 December 2017. Recommendations for research | Autism spectrum disorder in under 19s: recognition, referral and diagnosis | Guidance | NICE accessed on 14/02/2022.