Childhood autism spectrum disorder: insights from a tertiary hospital cohort in Kenya.

INTRODUCTION

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by impairments in behavior, social communication, and interaction. There is little data on ASD from sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) describing clinical characteristics in large cohorts of patients. Preliminary studies report a high male sex ratio, excess of nonverbal cases, possible infectious etiologies, and comorbidities e.g. epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical characteristics of children diagnosed with ASD in an African context.

METHODS

A retrospective medical chart review identified 116 children diagnosed with ASD according to DSM-5 criteria at a pediatric neurology clinic in Nairobi, Kenya.

RESULTS

The male to female ratio was 4.3:1. The median age at presentation was 3 years with speech delay as the most common reason for presentation. Expressive language delay was observed in 90% of the population. Sixty percent who obtained imaging had normal MRI brain findings. Only 44% and 34% of children had access to speech therapy and occupational therapy respectively. Epilepsy and ADHD were the most prevalent comorbidities.

CONCLUSION

An early median age at presentation and preponderance of male gender is observed. Access to speech therapy and other interventions was low. A prospective study would help determine outcomes for similar children following appropriate interventions.