Introduction

Autism spectrum disorder is becoming a major public health challenge across the world. In this study our objective is to retrospectively analyze the profile of children with autistic spectrum disorder.

Methods

Retrospective case record review approach has been applied to the sample of children with autistic spectrum disorder attended to in the neurodevelopmental clinic at a public health hospital from January 2017 through April 2018.  History about demographic aspects, antenatal and perinatal events, developmental milestones and comorbidities was noted.  Complete physical and neurodevelopmental assessment was performed. Genetic analysis, MRI Brain and EEG were done wherever indicated and possible.

Results

There were a total of 88 children  with a male to female ratio of 8.7:1. Mean age at presentation was 8 years and 6 months. Majority of families, 43 in number (49 %) were belonging to upper middle class, followed by 21 families (24%) from lower middle class. ISAA scores were available for 76 children, with mild severity in 37 (49 %) children, moderate severity in 30 (39 %) children, and was negative in 9 (12 %) children with a mean score of 98.27(SD 2). Motor mile stones were delayed in 28 (32 %) children and delayed language mile stones in 82(93%) children. Behavioural issues and epilepsy were the major comorbidities noted.

Conclusions

Early diagnosis and intervention is very important for better outcome in children with autistic spectrum disorder.

Keywords: Autistic spectrum disorder, profile, India.