title: First report of a Canadian epidemiological study of autistic syndromes.
abstract: This report describes an epidemiological investigation of the autistic syndrome using new research diagnostic criteria (Denckla, 1986). The focus here is on the methods of screening and follow-up, and on a description of the cases identified within a circumscribed region of Nova Scotia. Autism, as defined by social deviance, language impairment and repetitive or ritualistic behaviours, has a prevalence of 10 per 10,000 and a male to female ratio of 2.5:1. These findings are discussed relative to those reported previously.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada.
authors.forename: S E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Bryson
authors.forename: B S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Clark
authors.forename: I M
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000453:epidemiology; D007360:Intelligence; D008297:Male; D009674:Nova Scotia; D011581:Psychological Tests