Autism Diagnosis in Some Minority Children May be Delayed by Up to 2.5 Years

A new study shows that Latino children are typically diagnosed with autism two years later than white children.

Researchers believe that the cause for the delay may be linked to language-appropriation screenings.

Study author Dr. Katharine Zuckerman notes that early identification of autism can be crucial regarding treatment and the outcome of the disorder.

"It leads to better outcomes for the child and better family outcomes," Zuckerman said, who is also an assistant professor of pediatrics at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, via Health Day. "It may even save money. All children should be screened."

However, Zuckerman found that only one in 10 pediatricians were able to administer the general developmental screenings and autism-specific screenings for Spanish speakers.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Autism spectrum disorders are a group of developmental disabilities that can severely harm development of social and behavioral skills.

In fact, statistics show that as many as one in 50 U.S. school-age children have autism spectrum disorder.

Previous studies have also shown that minority children tend to be diagnosed 2.5 years later than white children.

Researchers surveyed close to 270 primary care physicians from the state of California, which is known to have the highest population of Hispanic children. Primary care physicians were picked due to their heavy involvement with families, which could play a critical role in early diagnosis of the disorder.

Results showed that out of 80 percent of participants who were offered a form of developmental screening, only 29 percent were offered Spanish-language screening, as advised by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Researchers believe that communication and cultural barriers may be causing the delay in diagnosis.

"Latino parents may know less about autism, so they bring up fewer concerns," Zuckerman said, according to CBS News.

"We need to try to increase the information availability. Parents need to know the early signs of autism."

Results of the study were released online Aug. 19 and in the September print issue of the journal Pediatrics.