Epidemiology of autism in Singapore: findings of the first autism survey.
The report describes the results of a survey conducted on 176 parents of children with autism in Singapore. The ages of the children ranged from 3 to 12 years. The survey focused on the child's background, behaviour problems and skill profile, the home and school situation as well as the linguistic and social background. It was noted that the Singapore population confirms the international distribution regarding a predominance of boys over girls and a low incidence of birth complications. A positive trend noted was the fact that 60% of the children were diagnosed before the age of 3 years. Discussion focuses on possible risk factors and psychosocial adversities for autism such as a high frequency of caregivers who are foreign maids, the use of multiple languages and the high level of punitive educational practices. The possible influence of psychosocial deprivation on child development is discussed.
Bernard-Opitz
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Department of Social Work and Psychology, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
Kwook
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Sapuan
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D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D017028:Caregivers; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D008297:Male; D016487:Parenting; D012307:Risk Factors; D012846:Singapore / Q000453:epidemiology; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014705:Verbal Behavior