2019 Volume 10 Issue 1 Pages 34-41
Clinical data in Japan were used to examine the age at diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in children in Japan. Results indicate that the mean age at diagnosis for 7779 participants was 7.3±4.3 years, the mode 3.0 years, and the median 6.0 years. The male-to-female ratio was 3:1. There were no sex differences in the age at diagnosis of any ASD. Asperger's syndrome was diagnosed at older ages than other disorders, but no clear peak was indicated for the age at diagnosis. Only childhood autism was diagnosed early in life and showed an annual trend. This study suggests the need to develop a system or tool that enables early diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome, as well as the need to develop a proper early intervention techniques and service provisions for childhood autism.
