Abstract:

Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine the clinical and developmental characteristics of toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD); and find out early manifestations. Material and method: Medical records of 134 newly diagnosed children under 4 years of age and followed by both developmental-behavioral pediatrics, and child and adolescent psychiatry between January 2017 and May 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Developmental features of children who diagnosed ≤24 months of age and later were compared. Results: ASD diagnosis was performed at ≤24 and >24 months of age in 43 (32.1%) and 91 (67.9%) children, respectively. The most common concern expressed by parents at admission was language delay (46.2%). While only 1.5% of parents named “autism” spontaneously as a concern, 73.9% of parents expressed concerns about ASD when the history was deepened. Parental concern about ASD (p=0.031) and mother’s education level ≥8 years (p=0.002) were associated with earlier diagnosis. Children diagnosed at ≤24 months of age were more likely to have inability to follow verbal commands (p=0.012) and delayed motor milestones (p=0.008). Other ASD signs and clinical characteristics were similar between children who diagnosed at ≤24 and >24 months of age. Conclusion: The signs of ASD emerge over the first 2 years of life. Children who diagnosed ASD ≤24 months of age have poorer receptive language and motor skills. Whereas parents were recognising warming signs of ASD, they may not express their concerns clearly. Pediatricians should take time to listen to parents and realize their concerns reflecting ASD.

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