摘要：Background: Early detection of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is essential given the under-reported cases in low- and middle-income countries. This first national representative survey was conducted to explore the prevalence of ASDs amongst 18 and 30 months in seven provinces in Vietnam.
Design and methods: During 2017-2018, a national cross-sectional and population-based survey for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) amongst 40,243 children aged 18 to 30 months was conducted in 7 provinces representing the socio-economic regions of Vietnam. M-CHAT was used to screen children and then confirmed by diagnostic assessment using DSM-IV criteria.
Results: The prevalence of ASDs amongst children aged 18 and 30 months in Vietnam was high (0.758% or 1 in 132 children). Urban setting, male gender, and hereditable genes were associated with ASD prevalence.
Conclusions: ASDs amongst children aged 18 and 30 months in Vietnam tend to be increasing and are similar to this rate in other middle-income countries but lower than that in Western countries. This under-recognized public health problem amongst children should be addressed by early detection and intervention for families with affected children.
Significance for public health
This first nationally representative and population-based survey adds empirical data about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) amongst children aged 18 to 30 months in Vietnam. Using M-CHAT as screening tool and DSM-IV criteria for confirmation, ASD amongst children aged 18 and 30 months shows an increasing trend with the prevalence as high as 0.758% in 2018. Early detection and intervention should be conducted to provide affected child with the potential for a better life.
