Incidence of global development disorder in children: characteristics and analysis from CAPSi data

Abstract

This article describes the accumulated incidence and characteristics of children until 12 years old with global developmental disorder (TGD) treated at CAPSi. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out using Register of Outpatient Health Actions. Cumulative incidence of TGD in the period 2013-2019 and the temporal trend of characteristics of children and care were evaluated using the Prais-Winsten method. It were identificated 23,657 records with first care, but 10.8% without follow-up. The cumulative incidence was 13.2/10,000, with wide variation between municipalities and large regions although several without record of cases. There was decrease in the percentage of first appointment, with an average annual increase of -17.8%. Most children were attended to in the municipality of residence (96.8%) and initially diagnosed as autism (30.6%), although 54.0% hadn’t TGD specified in the first appointment. Only 30.2% were diagnosed until three years old. Ensuring care in specialized care and early diagnosis remain challenges.