Abstract

Background: This study aimed to characterise the most common types of first concerns observed by Australian parents regarding autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presentation, the average age of concern (AOC), and associated sociocultural factors including culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) background.

Methods: Multivariate linear regression models identified that sociocultural factors significantly predicted the AOC and extent of ASD traits.

Results: The mean AOC was 18.2 months. The most common concerns were speech/language delay, changes to sociality and hyperactivity/behavioural changes. On multivariate regression, CALD background children showed higher extent of ASD traits and delayed AOC compared to non-CALD children.

Conclusion: Findings highlighted sociocultural factors that delay ASD diagnosis and that can be used to create opportunities for earlier identification in multicultural families.

Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder, CALD, Age of Concern, Sociocultural

Citation

Hussain, A., John, J., Dissanayake, C., Frost, G., Girdler, S., Karlov, S., Masi, A., & Alach, T. (2023). Sociocultural factors associated with detection of autism among culturally and linguistically diverse Communities in Australia. BMC Paediatrics. 23(1), Article 415. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-023-04236-2