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Underprivileged kids are receiving autism diagnoses earlier, more often

By Staff Writer

The rate of autism diagnosis among kids from low-income families is on the rise, although many disadvantaged children still do not receive proper identification, according to a recent study published in the journal American Sociological Review.

The researchers said they believe that greater awareness of autism spectrum disorders and improved diagnostic tools have led to the recent change.

Whereas the average age of diagnosis among kids with low socioeconomic standing was more than five years old in 1992, the study results showed that this age fell to about 3 years old by the year 2000.

Findings also indicated that between 1992 and 1995, children of wealthier parents were as much as 40 percent more likely to be classified as autistic than their peers in low-income neighborhoods. However, by 2000, socioeconomic status showed no effect on the chances of diagnosis.

The researchers noted that there are more cases of severe autism among disadvantaged kids, which they said may reflect the trend of children with less noticeable developmental disabilities not being addressed.

Boarding schools may provide the resources necessary to foster the educational and personal growth of young people with autism or learning problems.

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