Introduction / Objectives:

This study is the first of its kind, giving detailed demographics, etiological classification, co-morbid conditions and early outcomes at national settings. It should help to manage Autism better and develop appropriate national strategies.

Methods:

A prospective descriptive study involving patients who attended a Specialist Autism Centre over a period of 5years. Patients were assessed by multidisciplinary team using standard protocols, data was collected in standardized Performa.

Results:

Total 1210 patients: 946 male (78%) mean age of 2.9 years (range 1.5 – 16 years) and 264 female (22%) mean age of 2.7 years (range 1.8 – 16 years). Sub-classified 61%, 26% and 13% as mild, moderate and severe respectively.

Etiological Analysis -  83% having primary Autism and predominantly mild group. 17 % cases with secondary Autism, were mostly in moderate / severe group. 15% cases were born with assisted reproductive technique (ART).

68% children had single or combinations of co-morbid conditions. ADHD and behavioral difficulties being the commonest (64%), dietary issues (43%), sleep issues (36%), learning difficulties (31%) and Epilepsy (17%).

Mild group had mainly female children, who presented early, who had better communication / social skills at the time of presentation.

Conclusion / Discussion:

Autism is a major neuro-behavioural disorder. Our results showed children with Autism, who presented early, primary group, female or had good social / communication skills had a better outcome. Surprisingly our cohort had more children born with ART. Epilepsy was not as common as described previously.