Description of the 567 children with autistic spectrum disorders
| Variable | Childhood (n=278) | Atypical (n=195) | Asperger’s (n=94) |
|---|---|---|---|
| *Prevalence was calculated using the subset of 429 children aged 5–14 at the end of 2000 and using 1996 mid-census denominator data for 5–14 year olds in the study area (186206). | |||
| †Regression status not available for four atypical cases and two Asperger’s cases. | |||
| IQR, interquartile range. | |||
| Number overall (prevalence per 10000)* | 278 (14.9) | 195 (10.5) | 94 (5.0) |
| Number male (%) | 230 (83%) | 158 (81%) | 81 (86%) |
| Number with regression (%)† | 75 (27%) | 43 (23%) | 2 (2%) |
| Number with bowel symptoms (%) | 49 (18%) | 32 (16%) | 9 (10%) |
| Median age in months at regression (IQR) | 18 (14–20) | 20 (18–26) | 40 (2 cases, at 15, 65) |
| Numbers | 74 | 43 | 2 |
| Median age in months at parental concern (IQR) | 18 (14–24) | 22 (16–30) | 28 (20–42) |
| Numbers | 262 | 179 | 85 |
| Median age in months at provisional diagnosis (IQR) | 35 (30–41) | 44 (34–64) | 74 (56–115) |
| Numbers | 273 | 191 | 87 |
| Median age in months at final diagnosis (IQR) | 40 (34–48) | 51 (40–78) | 97 (70–125) |
| Numbers | 266 | 171 | 89 |