Maternal Race-Ethnicity, Immigrant Status, Country of Birth, and the Odds of a Child With Autism

Ethnic Group Differences in the Timing of Autism Diagnosis, Intellectual Disability, and Educational Placement of Autistic Children in Singapore

AIM

Given Singapore's distinct multicultural identity, this study examined the hypotheses that there may be ethnic group differences in diagnosis and outcomes in autistic children in Singapore.

METHODS

Retrospective data were obtained from medical records of all children born between 2008 and 2011 who were diagnosed with clinical or confirmed autism. One-way ANOVAs and regression analyses were used to analyze data.

RESULTS

Data from 2577 medical records were extracted. There were more boys (82.5%) and ethnic group distribution was Chinese (67%), Malay (14%), Indian (10%), and Others (10%). Chinese children were more likely to present at a developmental clinic with concerns 3-4 months younger compared to Malay children and those from Other Races (F(3, 2038) = 9.58, p < .001, Cohen's F = 0.12). Chinese children were also more likely to receive an autism diagnosis approximately 3 months younger compared to Malay children. Fewer autistic Chinese children were diagnosed with co-occurring intellectual disability (13.1%) while there were almost twice more Malay children than expected with co-occurring intellectual disability (29.9%) (χ2 (3) = 55.17, p < .001). There are correspondingly more Malay children on the autism spectrum who attend special education schools. Possible confounding variables such as household income level and mother's level of education were identified in some of these findings.

CONCLUSION

Several significant ethnic group differences in autistic children in Singapore exist that warrant more investigation into possible causes and support systems needed, with implications for other ethnically diverse nations.

The Use of the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) as a Diagnostic Scale for Infants with Autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of developmental disabilities presenting difficulties in social interaction and language and an increased occurrence of cognitive, sensory, and motor gaps. Early intervention has been reported to improve the function of children with ASD. However, motor screening for children with ASD is difficult, as there are no specific tools for identifying this specific population. This study reports the results of using the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS), which assesses gross infant motor skills from ages 0 to 18 months, as a screening tool for detecting motor developmental delay (MDD) in small children with ASD. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included all children registered at one health care organization in Israel born between 2011 and 2017 (N = 240,299). Early childhood MDD was defined as having at least one recorded developmental physiotherapy (DPT) visit before the age of 2 years. Reasons for referral to DPT and the results of using AIMS as an appropriate tool for revealing developmental delays in infants with ASD are presented. Results: ASD diagnosis was reported in 1821 children (prevalence rate 0.75%). Of those, 388 (odds ratio 4.1, 95% CI 3.6–4.6) children were referred to DPT. Children with ASD mostly received DPT for motor delays (46.19%), torticollis (19.52%), developmental delay (15.48%), and preterm birth (7.38%). The use of AIMS as an early detection tool suggests that more than 87% of children with ASD and MDD present with a developmental delay or risk for one when using this scale. Conclusions: The prevalence of ASD among children referred to DPT for MDD is higher than its prevalence within the general population. The most common reasons for a child with ASD to be referred for DPT services are MMDs. AIMS was found to be a sensitive tool to pinpoint relevant candidates for ASD screening among children treated in DPT. Possible effects of the study: The use of AIMS as a relevant assessment scale for this group of clients is recommended. Training DPTs in identifying initial ASD signs and developing their clinical reasoning abilities will increase the chance of implementing early intervention with this group of clients.

Relationship of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Use During Pregnancy with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability Among Offspring

Objective: This study aimed to examine the association of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use by pregnant women during pregnancy with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID) in their children among Medicaid-insured mother-child dyads. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study linking multiple datasets of South Carolina for the years between 2010 and 2017, in which the main exposure variable was NSAID use during pregnancy and outcome variables were ASD only, ID only, and ASD with ID. We conducted a multinomial logistic regression analysis, controlling for identified risk factors for ASD (mother's age, race, body-mass index, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes). Results: NSAID use during pregnancy was found to be associated with ID only in both unadjusted and adjusted analyses. Children with mothers who had NSAID prescriptions were 26% more likely to have ID in comparison with children whose mothers did not have NSAID prescriptions (odds ratio: 1.26 [1.10-1.46]). The other risk factors identified for ASD were maternal age, race, preeclampsia, smoking, low birth weight, and obesity. For ID, the risk factors were maternal age, race, smoking, birth weight, overweight, and obesity, all of which were also associated with ASD with ID, except for overweight. Conclusions: NSAID usage during pregnancy was found to be associated with ID only and not with ASD. However, more research is needed to validate the effect of NSAIDs during pregnancy on ASD and ID among children.

Migration modulates the prevalence of ASD and ADHD: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Migration has been implicated as a risk factor for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but evidence is still limited and inconsistent. We aim to investigate the relationship between migration status and risk of ASD and ADHD.

METHODS

Electronic databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and PsychINFO were searched to identify observational studies on this topic, from inception to February 2021. Random-effects meta-analysis models were used to pool the summary odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI), and subgroup analyses were conducted to detect possible discrepancies in associations. Certainty of evidence was assessed as per the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) guidelines.

RESULTS

A total of 13 studies (6,532,546 participants) for ASD, five studies (2,875,070 participants) for ADHD, and six studies (31,158 participants) for hyperactivity were included. Overall, the pooled results indicated that migration was associated with increased risk of ASD (pooled OR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.07-1.63; P for Z test = 0.010), but no association was found between migration and ADHD (pooled OR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.53-1.32; P for Z test = 0.452) or hyperactivity (pooled standardized mean difference: -0.073; 95% CIs: - 0.383-0.236; P for Z test = 0.642). Subgroup analyses further demonstrated that maternal migration was ASD risk factor (pooled OR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.19-1.87), and migrant children were more likely to develop ASD with comorbid intellectual disability (ID) (pooled OR: 1.21, P for interaction = 0.006) than ASD without ID. After standardized the origin of migrants, European migrant children from Americas were at higher risk of ASD and ADHD (pooled OR were 4.13 and 1.26), and increased ASD risk was also observed in African children (pooled OR: 2.72). The GRADE of evidence was very low.

CONCLUSIONS

Maternal migration is a risk factor for ASD, and migrant ASD children are more likely comorbid ID. The role of migration on ADHD remains controversial, more studies are needed to assess the association between migration status and ADHD. Health care practitioners should consider screening and providing extra resources for migrant children.

Experiences and Attitudes on Early Identification Practices of Autism: A Preliminary Survey of Pediatric Professionals in Ecuador

Early identification of children with autism is necessary to support their social and communicative skills and cognitive, verbal, and adaptive development. Researchers have identified several barriers to early diagnosis. Data collected in low- and middle-income contexts—where the vast majority of children in the world live—is scarce. In Ecuador, as in many other countries, estimates are lower compared to the global prevalence. Health authorities estimate a prevalence of 0.28% (0.18%–0.41%) in children aged five years old or less. Based on the hypothesis that, as in many parts of the world, children in Ecuador are not routinely screened and that this situation may result from poor recognition of this condition, our objective was to identify potential obstacles to case identification in pediatric settings. Several barriers, consistent with those identified in other countries, were reported by 153 participants on a survey, including lack of time, lack of resources to refer, fear of unnecessarily alarming families, and lack of information to guide families with concerns. The vast majority of participants are aware of the need for a screening tool for autism detection but report a lack of knowledge of its formal application. Most of the barriers reported in this study could be overcome by educational programs tailored to professional needs in order to support the well-being of children with autism and their families.

Migration or ethnic minority status and risk of autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability: systematic review

BACKGROUND

There is an emerging evidence that the migration and the ethnic minority status are associated with the risks of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID). This systematic review aimed to investigate whether associations are specific to ASD or ID; whether and which migration-related or ethnically determined factors are associated with the risk of ASD and ID; and what mechanisms may explain these risks.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted using Embase, Medline and PsycINFO for studies reporting on the risks of ASD and/or ID among migrants, descendants of migrants and/or ethnic minorities. Risks of any ASD, ASD + ID, ASD - ID and any ID were reviewed in relation to migration and ethnic minority status, with consideration to the study quality. In addition, possible underlying mechanisms suggested in the included studies were summarized.

RESULTS

Thirty-five studies were included. The summarized evidence indicated an increased risk of ASD + ID and a decreased risk of ASD - ID in migrants, descendants of migrants and ethnic minorities. These associations appeared more pronounced among children of migrant mothers, with origin in low-income countries, and among descendants of migrants. Data on ID were scarce. Suggested mechanisms explaining the increased risks of ASD + ID included environmental factors acting in utero and genetic factors (including consanguinity), while ascertainment bias was proposed to account for the lowered risks of diagnosed ASD - ID.

CONCLUSION

Migration-related factors acting in utero and/or associated with origin in low-income countries may be important in the ASD + ID aetiology, although further confirmative studies are needed.

Examining factors related to the age of diagnosis of children with autism spectrum disorder from immigrant and non-immigrant backgrounds in a diverse clinical sample

A timely diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is important for children as that may help inform the best services and supports needed for optimal outcomes. However, disparities in the identification of ASD have been consistently documented for racial/ethnic minority and immigrant populations. The majority of studies of immigrant populations have focused on the qualitative experience of ASD, however, greater knowledge about the predictors of the age of initial ASD diagnosis is needed. This study examined the child, maternal, and family-level factors that predicted the age of initial ASD diagnosis in a diverse clinical sample through a retrospective medical record review. Medical records of clinical evaluations conducted between 2004 and 2014 were reviewed for children with ASD born to immigrant and non-immigrant mothers. Regression analyses found that for both groups of children with ASD, using verbal language to communicate and having another diagnosis (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or another condition) predicted an older age of initial ASD diagnosis. For children with ASD born to immigrant mothers, residing in a multilingual household was associated with a younger age of diagnosis. These results highlight the complexities of an ASD diagnosis among diverse children and families, particularly among immigrant communities. LAY SUMMARY: This research looked at predictors of when children received their first autism spectrum disorder diagnosis across children born to immigrant mothers and children born to U.S.-born mothers. Living in a multilingual home was related to a younger age of diagnosis for children of immigrant mothers; being verbal and having another diagnosis was related to an older age of diagnosis for both groups of children. This highlights the need to improve diagnostic services for diverse children.

The Familial Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder with and without Intellectual Disability

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is highly heritable, yet how its familial risk and heritability may vary by cognitive ability is not well understood. In this population‐based cohort study, we examined the familial risk and heritability of ASD with and without co‐occurring intellectual disability (ID). We estimated odds ratios and heritability of ASD with ID (ASD+ID) and ASD without ID (ASD−ID) using register‐based diagnosis data of 567,436 index persons born in 1984–2009 in Stockholm County, Sweden, and their parents, siblings, cousins, aunts, and uncles. The familial risk profile exhibited differences between ASD−ID and ASD+ID, most notably for index persons with affected parents. For example, for an index person who had at least one parent with ASD, the child's odds of ASD−ID and ASD+ID (95% confidence interval (CI)) increased by 16.2 (14.2–18.6) and 7.4 (5.5–10.0) folds, respectively. The more closely related a family member with ASD was, the greater the observed risk was of ASD in the index person, especially for ASD−ID. The broad‐sense heritability (95% CI) for ASD − ID and ASD+ID were 64.6% (46.0–100.0%) and 33.4% (14.4–58.4%), respectively. Familial risk and heritability of ASD may vary by intellectual ability, which implies that risk factors between these ASD phenotypes may differ. Our findings from the heritability analysis and familial risk analysis suggest that ASD−ID may have a greater genetic basis than ASD+ID, although this should be verified in future studies.

Lay Summary

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is highly heritable, yet how its familial risk and heritability may vary by cognitive ability is not well‐understood. In a population‐based cohort study on families of 567,436 index persons using Swedish registers data, we found that the familial risk profile differed between ASD with and without intellectual disability. Our findings from the heritability analysis and familial risk analysis suggest that ASD−ID may have a greater genetic basis than ASD+ID, although this should be verified in future studies.

A High Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Preschool Children in an Immigrant, Multiethnic Population in Sweden: Challenges for Health Care

This study examines the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in preschool children in an immigrant population. Possible risk factors for ASD and individual needs for the children and their families are described, as well as implications for health care. The estimated minimum prevalence for ASD in the area was 3.66% for children aged 2–5 years. Multiple risk factors and extensive individual needs for the children and their families were observed. The high prevalence of ASD and the plethora of needs in immigrant communities pose challenges for health care. A coordinated health care system is necessary to meet the many and individual needs.

Risk of Developmental Disorders in Children of Immigrant Mothers: A Population-Based Data Linkage Evaluation

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the prevalence and risks of developmental disability (autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and cerebral palsy) in Western Australian children of different groups of foreign-born women.

STUDY DESIGN

Western Australian population-based linked data of 764 749 singleton live births from 1980 to 2010 were used to compare disability outcomes among children of foreign-born, Australian-born non-Indigenous, and Indigenous women. The risk of disability was assessed using multinomial logistic regression.

RESULTS

Overall, the prevalence of any disability was lowest for the children of foreign-born mothers. From 1980 to 1996 but not from 1997 to 2010, children born to mothers from foreign-born low-income countries had an increased relative risk of autism spectrum disorder with intellectual disability, and children born to foreign-born mothers from upper-middle-income countries had an increased risk of cerebral palsy with intellectual disability. After adjusting for smoking, the relative risks of intellectual disability and cerebral palsy with intellectual disability were markedly decreased in children of Australian-born Indigenous mothers.

CONCLUSIONS

Although we did not find among children born to foreign-born women an increased prevalence across all the measured developmental outcomes, we did observe an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder with intellectual disability and cerebral palsy with intellectual disability for mothers of some foreign-born groups. Our findings related to smoking in the Indigenous population underscore its possible role on the causal pathway to intellectual disability. Maternal migration is considered a factor on the causal pathway to intellectual disability. Maternal migration may be either a risk or a protective factor on the causal pathway to developmental disabilities and the direct role of migration is inconclusive in our study.

Experiences Of Immigrant Parents In Sweden Participating In A Community Assessment And Intervention Program For Preschool Children With Autism

BACKGROUND

Barriers inherent in service systems for autism can hinder parents from getting help for their children, and this is probably especially true for immigrant parents. In order to provide accessible assessment and interventions for preschool children with autism, a multidisciplinary team was established in one district of a Swedish city, with a majority population of immigrants.

AIM

The aim of the present study was to gain knowledge of the parents' experiences of participating in the community assessment and intervention program.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

A qualitative study with semi-structured interviews was conducted with parents of 11 children aged 3-5, who had been diagnosed with autism and participated in the community intervention program for at least 1 year. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, and data were analyzed following a phenomenological hermeneutical method.

RESULTS

The overall meaning of the parents' narratives was interpreted as "A new way of understanding my child made life more hopeful and more challenging than before". Their experience was interpreted as a process, captured in the three main themes: "An overwhelming diagnosis", "Cooperating with the team", and "Growing as a parent".

CONCLUSION

As lacking knowledge of available resources and support seems to be an important barrier to access services, the results underscore the importance of providing individually tailored services including comprehensive societal support to immigrant families with young children suffering from autism. The study also highlights the importance of addressing the parents' previous awareness and knowledge of autism early in the assessment process, as well as continually involving parents in the intervention program, and this may enhance parental growth.