A recent study conducted by Rutgers University has unveiled that around 25% of teenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) go without a formal diagnosis. This research, featured in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, employed a method known as active multiple-source surveillance to acquire what is considered the most precise data to date regarding the prevalence of ASD among adolescents in the northeastern New Jersey region.
Lead author Walter Zahorodny, an associate professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, remarked, “We believe this to be the most extensive study of ASD in this age group, and we anticipate it will provide valuable insights to schools, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders for improved comprehension and services.”
The study revealed that, on the whole, 1.77% of 16-year-olds in the area have ASD, with the condition being more common among males than females, whites than Blacks or Hispanics, and high-income teenagers than their low-income counterparts. Furthermore, one in four adolescents with ASD has not received an official diagnosis, and three in five adolescents with ASD exhibit one or more neuropsychiatric conditions, with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) being the most prevalent.
Researchers scrutinized school and health records of 4,875 out of 31,581 16-year-olds residing in four northern New Jersey counties in 2014. This preliminary assessment identified 1,365 records that warranted comprehensive evaluation, ultimately confirming 560 cases of ASD. Among these, 384 had previously been identified during monitoring at the age of 8, while an additional 176 individuals met the criteria for ASD diagnosis at age 16.
Notably, ASD was more frequently identified in adolescent males (2.89%) than females (0.62%) and was twice as prevalent among adolescents from high-income households compared to those from low-income families. Additionally, ASD diagnosis exhibited significant variation across racial and socioeconomic lines, with a 50% higher prevalence among white adolescents than their Black and Hispanic counterparts.
Zahorodny emphasized that these findings likely reflect true incidence patterns rather than variations in diagnosis rates, and they may result from complex interactions between genes and the environment.
One of the study’s key revelations is the substantial number of undiagnosed cases of autism, particularly among adolescents with mild forms of impairment. Furthermore, the high percentage of adolescents with ASD who also have other neuropsychiatric disorders underscores the need for improved tools for early detection in schools and healthcare settings. It also suggests that this group may require more complex and intensive interventions and planning.
This research represents the second study by the same group, and Walter Zahorodny expressed the hope that this cohort of more than 500 individuals will continue to be studied, shedding light on ASD in adulthood and facilitating the development of interventions that optimize well-being.
Reference: “Prevalence and Characteristics of Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the New York-New Jersey Metropolitan Area” by Walter Zahorodny, Josephine Shenouda, Kate Sidwell, Michael G. Verile, Cindy Cruz Alvarez, Arline Fusco, Audrey Mars, Mildred Waale, Tara Gleeson, Gail Burack and Paul Zumoff, 29 August 2023, Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.
DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06058-8
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about ASD Diagnosis Disparities
What did the recent study conducted by Rutgers University reveal?
The recent study conducted by Rutgers University revealed that approximately 25% of teenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) remain undiagnosed.
What method was used in the research to gather data on ASD prevalence among adolescents?
The research utilized an approach called active multiple-source surveillance to gather what the authors consider the most accurate data to date on the prevalence of ASD among adolescents in northeastern New Jersey.
What are some key findings of the study regarding ASD prevalence?
The study found that 1.77% of 16-year-olds in northeastern New Jersey have ASD. It also noted that ASD is more prevalent among males, whites, and high-income adolescents compared to females, Blacks, Hispanics, and low-income peers.
How many adolescents with ASD have not been formally diagnosed according to the research?
The study found that one in four adolescents with ASD has not been formally diagnosed.
What other neuropsychiatric condition was frequently observed in adolescents with ASD?
The research revealed that three in five adolescents with ASD have one or more neuropsychiatric conditions, with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) being the most common.
What implications do these findings have for schools and healthcare providers?
The study suggests that schools and healthcare providers could improve their tools for detecting ASD, especially among those with mild forms of impairment. It also indicates that adolescents with ASD who have other neuropsychiatric disorders may require more complex and intensive interventions and planning.
What is the potential future direction of this research?
The lead author of the study, Walter Zahorodny, expressed the hope to continue studying this cohort of more than 500 individuals to gain insights into ASD in adulthood and develop interventions that enhance well-being.
More about ASD Diagnosis Disparities
- Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders: The primary source of the study’s findings published in this reputable journal.
- Rutgers University: The institution where the research was conducted, providing additional context and information about the study.
5 comments
woah, so like 25% teens with autism not even diagnosed? thats cray-cray, we need better detection for sure.
Props to Rutgers for this extensive study, looking forward to more insights.
Interesting study, shows the need for improved tools in schools and healthcare.
ASD disparities are concerning, let’s hope for better support.
1 in 4 undiagnosed? more awareness is crucial!