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Ethnic Disparities in Early Autism Assessment: A Large Scale Screening Study of Infants and Toddlers

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Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with origins early in development. Early identification and intervention are vital to improving prognosis for individuals with this disorder, and diagnosis of ASD during the toddler years has become increasing more accurate. However, many factors impact the age at first assessment, in turn impacting the likelihood of accessing early intervention services, including geographic factors, socioeconomic status, and symptom severity. Research on the impact of ethnicity and early diagnosis has thus far produced mixed results. This study investigates the impact of ethnicity and referral for autism assessment in 7,464 toddlers ages 17–37 months who were assessed by a government supported, state-wide program.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA

    Lindsey W. Williams, Johnny L. Matson, Jennifer S. Beighley & Matthew Konst

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  1. Lindsey W. Williams
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  4. Matthew Konst
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Correspondence to Lindsey W. Williams.

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Williams, L.W., Matson, J.L., Beighley, J.S. et al. Ethnic Disparities in Early Autism Assessment: A Large Scale Screening Study of Infants and Toddlers. J Dev Phys Disabil 27, 141–148 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-014-9406-0

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