Study of factors associated with the level of autism spectrum disorder in a clinical sample

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous Neurodevelopmental Disorder that causes an impairment of social communication and repetitive behaviors. It can be divided into levels 1 to 3, depending on the level of support required. Language and Cognitive Development are the most determining factors to ASD level. However, other situations can interfere with the level of ASD, such as perinatal risk factors, gender, delay or language regression, self-injury, neurological conditions and psychiatric behaviors.

Objective: To analyze how these factors can be related to the ASD.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional analytical observational study of 470 individuals aged 1 to 18 years diagnosed with ASD in outpatient follow-up.

Results: There was a predominance of males in a 4:1 ratio and ASD level 1 in 46% of the sample. There was no association between gender and level of commitment. Among perinatal risk factors, prematurity was the most frequent and is associated with ASD level 3, with a prevalence 2.6 times higher than in the rest of the sample. 12% presented language regression and 70% language delay, being more frequent in levels 2 and 3. Selinjury behaviors was present in 11% of the sample, being more common also in ASD level 3. Betwen the psychiatric disorders symptoms, the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were more frequent in ASD level 1, as well as depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation. There was no correlation between anxiety symptoms end ASD level. Sleep disorders were reported in 15% of the sample, with no relation to ASD level. Apraxia of speech was more common in patients with ASD level 3. Epilepsy was present in 5% of the sample, with a prevalence 5 times higher in ASD level 3 and the presence of an abnormal Electroencephalogram, with or without Epilepsy had a prevalence 1.9 times higher in ASD level 3.

Conclusions: ASD is a heterogeneous disorder and specific factors can interfere with its level of impairment and life quality of these individuals.

No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).

Publication History

Article published online:
18 September 2023