Latino Children Diagnosed with Autism Two Years Later Than Whites

Latino children are generally diagnosed with autism two years later than white children, a latest study reveals.

The reasons behind this could be lack of language-appropriate screenings and no easy access to autism experts, researchers said. According to Dr Katharine Zuckerman, assistant professor of pediatrics at Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, early detection of the disorder could help in better treatment and results. "It leads to better outcomes for the child and better family outcomes," Zuckerman said. "It may even save money. All children should be screened."

But in the case of Latino children, the study results found that only one in 10 pediatricians were able to run the general developmental screenings and autism-specific screenings.

For the study, the research team observed the data of 270 primary care physicians in California, the state with the highest number of Hispanic children. The researchers said they chose primary care physicians because they were mostly involved directly with families and could play a vital role in early autism diagnosis.

The results showed that only 29 percent out of 80 percent children were offered Spanish-language screening. "Latino parents may know less about autism, so they bring up fewer concerns," Zuckerman said, according to CBS News. "We need to try to increase the information availability. Parents need to know the early signs of autism."

The researchers said that language and cultural barriers might be the prime reasons for delay in diagnosis.

According to statistics, one in every 50 American school-going children suffers from autism, a disorder that affects a child's social and behavioral skills.