Long-Term Outcomes in Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders in India

Abstract

We investigated long-term outcomes in children with diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders based on Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS score). Information about outcomes such as speech, friendships and activities of daily living (ADLs) was collected through telephone-based interviews. Gilliam Autism Rating Scale-2 and Vineland Social Maturity Scale were used to assess level of functioning at follow-up. Parents of 80 [67 males, mean age 12 (3) years] children participated in the interview, 23 attended follow-up assessment. Sixty-four (80 %) were verbal, 34 (42.5 %) had need-based speech, 20 (25 %) had friends and 37 (46 %) had achieved age-appropriate ADLs. Median total follow-up period was 10 years. Lower disease severity, parent participation and higher maternal education were associated with better outcomes.