{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Childhood autism spectrum disorder: insights from a tertiary hospital cohort in Kenya.
{Author}: Samia P;Kanana M;King J;Donald KA;Newton CR;Denckla C;
{Journal}: Afr J Health Sci
{Volume}: 33
{Issue}: 2
{Year}: Mar-Apr 2020
暂无{Abstract}: <B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by impairments in behavior, social communication, and interaction. There is little data on ASD from sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) describing clinical characteristics in large cohorts of patients. Preliminary studies report a high male sex ratio, excess of nonverbal cases, possible infectious etiologies, and comorbidities e.g. epilepsy.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>To describe the clinical characteristics of children diagnosed with ASD in an African context.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>A retrospective medical chart review identified 116 children diagnosed with ASD according to DSM-5 criteria at a pediatric neurology clinic in Nairobi, Kenya.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>The male to female ratio was 4.3:1. The median age at presentation was 3 years with speech delay as the most common reason for presentation. Expressive language delay was observed in 90% of the population. Sixty percent who obtained imaging had normal MRI brain findings. Only 44% and 34% of children had access to speech therapy and occupational therapy respectively. Epilepsy and ADHD were the most prevalent comorbidities.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>An early median age at presentation and preponderance of male gender is observed. Access to speech therapy and other interventions was low. A prospective study would help determine outcomes for similar children following appropriate interventions.