title: An epidemiological study of autistic and psychotic children in the four eastern states of Australia.
abstract: Data on general behavioural and etiological characteristics of a sample of 146 autistic and psychotic children from the four eastern states of Australia are presented. Both inter and intra study comparisons are made with reference to a number of factors considered significant in childhood psychosis. The findings accord with those of similar overseas studies on most factors although methodological and diagnostic differences limit the conclusions. A notable finding was that of an excess of "organic" indications in a sub-group of early onset, severly withdrawn "autistic" chhildren suggesting that further neurological and EEG testing of autistic children is desirable.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D001076:Aptitude; D001315:Australia; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000235:genetics; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D012923:Social Class; D013064:Speech Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology