PARENTAL RECOGNITION OF DEVELOPMENTAL ABNORMALITIES IN AUTISM

In order to identify factors associated with the early detection and r eferral of children with pervasive developmental disorders, a sample o f 82 consecutive referrals to an outpatient diagnostic service was stu died. All children were thoroughly assessed with the Autism Diagnostic s Interview (ADI), standardized psychological tests and direct observa tions. Data from the ADI on the fi:rst symptoms to arouse parental con cern and on the first professional advice sought were analyzed. The me an age of children was 19.1 months (SD = 9.4) when the parents first b ecame concerned, and the first professional advice was sought when chi ldren were 24.1 months old (SD = 11.7). The most common parental conce rns were for speech and language development, followed by abnormal soc ioemotional response, and medical problem or delay in milestone. In bo th bivariate and multiple regression analyses, the mean age of childre n at first parental concern and professional advice was significantly lower in the presence of mental retardation in the child, of an older sibling in the family, and of first parental concerns for medical prob lem/delay in milestone. More specific autistic behaviours, child's gen der, social class and place of residence did not influence the age of recognition of the disorder in this sample. Health visitors and genera l practitioners were the first professionals contacted by parents. The implications of these findings for early detection and diagnosis of a utism are discussed.