CHARACTERISTICS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISTIC SPECTRUM DISORDER WITH ASSOCIATED COMORBIDITIES, KSA

Background: Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts childrens communication, as well as their ability to perform socially. A recent surge in thenumberofpersonswithASDspurredconcernforthosechargedwithcaring for children with ASD. There is few articles focusing on addressing the current characteristics of ASD children in Saudi Arabia.

Rationale: assessing the status quo of children of ASD can suggest improvement measures to be taken by stakeholders, policy makers andphysiciansalike.Allowingan opportunity to tailor high-quality interventions to our population.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study from Jan 2019 till December 2020, involving Saudi Arabian children with ASD following at the Division of Developmental Pediatricsat King Saud medical city. Using a questionnaire form, to collect age, gender, age at time of diagnosis, psychiatric comorbidities, details of school, and screen time. To assess the severity of ASD verbal vs. nonverbal. To assess the socioeconomic status housing environment, total family members and thetotalincomeofthehousehold.With descriptive analysis.

Results:The most common associated comorbidity was ADHD in 74% of our population. Notably, the median age of ASD diagnosis remains advanced at 3 years of age. Further educational programs to primary health care practitioners for early detection and public awareness programs are needed.