Situation of autism spectrum disorders and some related factor among children aged 18 - 30 months in Northern Vietnam, 2017

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is a developmental disorder among children, which are increasing worldwide and in Vietnam. This study aims to determine the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders and some related factor describe among children aged 18 and 30 months in Nothern Vietnam, 2017. This was a cross-sectional study, using MCHAT 23 to screen children with high risk of ASD, among 17,277 children aged 18 and 30 months in Northern Vietnam. 100% of MCHAT 23 positive cases (255 cases) and 2% negative cases (340 cases) were diagnosed using DSMIV criteria. The overall prevalence of ASD among children aged 18 and 30 months in the three study sites was 0.75%. The odds of having ASD were signifcantly higher among those with relatives with psychiatric disorders; mothers with miscarriage, stillbirth, and induced abortion history; and assisted delivery, prematurity, low birth weight, and neonatal hypoxia. The study has recommended that children with abnormal prenatal and perinatal history should be monitored and obtained early ASD screening and diagnosis.