title: Underlying Factors Behind the Low Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Oman: Sociocultural perspective.
abstract: Epidemiological surveys from various countries indicate an increased prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), leading researchers to debate whether there are now 'more affected' or 'more detected'. The epidemiology of ASD in developing countries, such as Oman, has generally indicated a lower prevalence compared to developed countries in the West. In Oman, the prevalence is low; however, this article highlights some of the factors that could contribute to the appearance of a low ASD rate: cross-cultural variations in the presentation of distress; a lack of reliable biological markers for diagnosing ASD, and a lack of health services for children with ASD, thus limiting the number of participants in epidemiological surveys. While the defining features of ASD have yet to be established, pilot studies in Oman indicate a substantial number of children with these disorders. Therefore, it is important that these discrepancies be addressed and the need for appropriate services for this patient population in Oman be highlighted.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Genetics, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University;
authors.forename: Allal
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ouhtit
authors.affiliation: Family Medicine & Public Health, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University;
authors.forename: Yahya
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Al-Farsi
authors.affiliation: Behavioural Medicine, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University;
authors.forename: Marwan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Al-Sharbati
authors.affiliation: Department of Food Science & Nutrition, College of Agricultural & Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman;
authors.forename: Mostafa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Waly
authors.affiliation: Departments of Genetics, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University;
authors.forename: Ishita
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Gupta
authors.affiliation: Family Medicine & Public Health, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University;
authors.forename: Omar
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Al-Farsi
authors.affiliation: Obstetrics & Gynaecology, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University;
authors.forename: Maha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Al-Khaduri
authors.affiliation: Family Medicine & Public Health, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University; ; Vice Dean for Clinical Affairs, Oman Medical College, Sohar, Oman.
authors.forename: Mohammed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Al-Shafaee
authors.affiliation: Behavioural Medicine, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University;
authors.forename: Samir
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Al-Adawi
keywords: Autism; Culture; Oman; Prevalence