Detailed contribution information
| Contribution title | 3108 - ASD prevalence dynamics among children of Moscow |
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| Contribution code | PS02-07 (P) |
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| Form of presentation | Poster |
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| Abstract |
Objectives. The proportion of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is astonishingly high compared to the figure that researchers have accepted for decades and that has led some of them to refer to a worldwide autism epidemic. Since 1990 to 2007 the reported incidence of ASD has increased by 7-8 times. According to US CDC estimates (2014), current ASD "administrative prevalence" is 1 to 68 children. The causes of rapid rise of ASD cases remain unsolved and the question of the existence of an "autism epidemic" is doubtful. Consequently, investigators have turned to find ways for verification of such elevated rates in a disorder’s prevalence over a matter of just a few years. Aim: to evaluate the dynamics of ASD prevalence and admission trends among children of Moscow. Methods. ICD-10 based Databases of Moscow “Sukhareva” CAMH Center and Child & Adolescent Department of Moscow Research Institute of Psychiatry were used. Results. ASD prevalence rate in Moscow in 2004, 2007 and 2014 was - 2.8, 5.3 and 11.7 respectively per 10,000 children population. The ratio of boys and girls was 5:1. Based on the assessment of inpatients, a distinct increase in cases of children with ASD was observed: in 2011-2012 an increase of 20%, in 2012-2013 - 17% and in 2013-2014 - 34%. Meanwhile, the frequency of mental retardation case admissions has decreased 4 times. Conclusions. Data analysis showed a clear upward trend in number of cases of diagnosed ASD and its prevalence among children in Moscow. It is possible that the overall pool of children with ASD like features has remained constant but specific diagnoses ratio within this pool have switched including a decrease in admission rates of mental retardation. The revealed rise of ASD diagnosis corresponds with the trend observed throughout the world and requires a practical solution at different levels - clinical, therapeutic, institutional. |