Early identification of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Mexico: A pediatrician’s survey

Lizardi, P. S. (Patricia)¹, Zúñiga, A. E. (Ana)², Romero, L. (Laura)^3
1Universidad Panemericana, Mexico City
²Private practice, Mexico City
³IPSOS Mexico, Mexico City

 

Submission type

Oral only

Scheduled

Room 117, 10-07-2019, 09:00 - 10:30

Keywords

ASD, early signs, pediatricians´ knowledge

Summary

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that usually manifests itself before age two. The presence of characteristic behaviors of ASD at such an early age provides a knowledgeable health care practitioner with an opportunity to refer a young child to a specialist to conduct a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to survey pediatricians’ knowledge with respect to early signs of ASD as well as their continuing education practices. We conducted face-to-face interviews with 400 pediatricians (33% female) in private practice in three of the country’s largest cities: Mexico City (n=200), Guadalajara (n=100), and Monterrey (n=100), which represent about 25% of the total population in Mexico and about 78% of people living in urban areas. Results indicate that, in general, Mexican pediatricians´ knowledge is outdated about prevalence and etiology and limited regarding early risk signs, symptoms, and treatment. Continuing education practices about ASD were also found to be limited. Given that early identification allows for the provision of early treatment, which improves the quality of life of children and families impacted by autism, it is of utmost importance that pediatricians obtain specialized training to better serve Mexican children at risk of ASD.

Auteurs