Trends in autism spectrum disorder diagnoses: 1994-2007

Rebecca E. Rosenberg, Amy M. Daniels, J. Kiely Law, Paul A. Law, Walter E. Kaufmann

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

60 Scopus citations

Abstract

We analyzed predictors of parent-reported initial diagnosis (autistic disorder [AD], pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified [PDD-NOS], pervasive developmental disorder ['PDD'] and autism spectrum disorder ['ASD'], and Asperger syndrome [AS]), among 6,176 individuals with autism spectrum disorders diagnosed from 1994 through 2007. Overall, distribution of diagnoses was influenced by a secular time trend factor; other significant factors included ethnicity, white race, geographic location, urbanicity, and initial evaluator. Since 2001, most initial diagnoses of AD and AS have remained steady while 'PDD' and PDD-NOS have decreased. 'ASD' diagnoses have increased, especially among school-based teams; AS diagnoses also increased uniquely among these evaluators. Findings from this study suggest that current diagnostic guidelines may not be meeting all community evaluator needs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1099-1111
Number of pages13
JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Volume39
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2009

Keywords

  • Asperger syndrome
  • Autism
  • Classification
  • Health disparity
  • Pervasive developmental disorder

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Developmental and Educational Psychology

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