Clinical and Sociodemographic Characteristics of Cases Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the Etlik City Multidisciplinary Child and Adolescent Mental Health Center (ÇÖZGEM).

Abstract

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by challenges in social interaction, communication, and the presence of restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. The increasing prevalence of ASD underscores the importance of early diagnosis and individualized interventions. This study investigates the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of children aged 0-6 years diagnosed with ASD at the Etlik City Multidisciplinary Child and Adolescent Mental Health Center (ÇÖZGEM) and explores their healthcare journey from developmental delays to formal diagnosis. Methods: The medical records of 174 children evaluated at ÇÖZGEM between May and November 2024 were reviewed. Of these, 100 children diagnosed with ASD, with a mean age of 40.86 ± 16.92 months, were included. Multidisciplinary evaluations were conducted by specialists, including a child psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, and speech therapist. Results: Of the children diagnosed, 83% were boys and 17% were girls. Parents typically identified developmental concerns, focusing on language and social skill delays, at a mean age of 23.1 ± 10.94 months. The mean age at diagnosis was 31.54 ± 12.11 months, with an average delay of 8.44 ± 8.76 months between initial concern and diagnosis. After referral to ÇÖZGEM, the average waiting time for the first appointment was 18.21 ± 10.25 days, with diagnosis completed within 36.85 ± 19.8 days. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of multidisciplinary teams in ASD diagnosis and intervention. Insights from ÇÖZGEM emphasize the need for parental awareness and streamlined healthcare pathways. Further studies with larger samples are necessary to validate these findings.