[PS1-1A-2] Nationwide Population-based Epidemiology Study of Autism Spectrum Disorders in China
[Objectives] The aims of the nationwide multi-center study on autism spectrum disorders (ASD) include: (1) to obtain an overall prevalence of ASD in children of 6-12 years of age; (2) to investigate the environmental and genetic risk factors related to ASD; (3) to conduct a longitudinal community-based study for early screen and early intervention.
[Study Design and Setting] A population based epidemiology study on autism prevalence and risk factors has been conducted from 2014 to 2016. This cross-section prevalence study has screened more than 120,000 children of 6-12 years of age form 8 different sites. Multistage random sampling method was used to recruit the studying subjects. Autism social rating scale (ASRS) was used for initial screen. Both DSM-5 and ADOS/ADI-R were used as diagnostic tools. For each confirmed ASD case, an age and gender-matched control was recruited from the same school for a case-control study. The information of environmental risk factors has been collected. The genetics study for confirmed ASD cases is in progress. For the longitudinal community-based study, infants in two communities in Shanghai and Guan Zhou have received CHAT-23 screening at 18 months. The positive cases will receive early start Denver model (ESDM) intervention and be followed up more than two years.
[Conclusions] This is the first multi-center national autism epidemiology study in China. Through the implementation of the project, we have established an infrastructure and trained the qualified staff and clinicians for autism research in China. We have completed the first phase of study and the preliminary results will be presented and discussed.
[Study Design and Setting] A population based epidemiology study on autism prevalence and risk factors has been conducted from 2014 to 2016. This cross-section prevalence study has screened more than 120,000 children of 6-12 years of age form 8 different sites. Multistage random sampling method was used to recruit the studying subjects. Autism social rating scale (ASRS) was used for initial screen. Both DSM-5 and ADOS/ADI-R were used as diagnostic tools. For each confirmed ASD case, an age and gender-matched control was recruited from the same school for a case-control study. The information of environmental risk factors has been collected. The genetics study for confirmed ASD cases is in progress. For the longitudinal community-based study, infants in two communities in Shanghai and Guan Zhou have received CHAT-23 screening at 18 months. The positive cases will receive early start Denver model (ESDM) intervention and be followed up more than two years.
[Conclusions] This is the first multi-center national autism epidemiology study in China. Through the implementation of the project, we have established an infrastructure and trained the qualified staff and clinicians for autism research in China. We have completed the first phase of study and the preliminary results will be presented and discussed.