Autism Spectrum Disorder Association with Socioeconomic and Demographic Factors: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an early-onset neurodevelopmental disorder whose prevalence is constantly increasing. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the association between ASD and socioeconomic and demographic factors of parents of children/adolescents in Northern Minas Gerais, Brazil. Methods: A case-control study was carried out, consisting of 1,134 children/adolescents, 248 with ASD and 886 without ASD. A semi-structured questionnaire was used and multiple logistic regression was performed. Results: Children/adolescents with ASD are more likely to be male (OR: 3.91; 95% CI: 2.67–5.68), children of mothers aged ≥25 years (OR: 2.15; 95% CI: 1.50–3.09), who worked outside the home during pregnancy (OR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.04–2.24) and that, at the time of the interview, they were not inserted in the labor market (OR: 3.17; 95% CI: 2.44–5.65), white (OR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.01–2.22), and who performed prenatal care in private institutions (OR: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.38–2.80). Conclusion: The socioeconomic and demographic factors associated with ASD are important for the diagnosis and, consequently, for the increase in the number of reported cases. Thus, public policies are needed to allow equal access to the diagnosis and treatment of this disorder.