Autistic spectrum disorders: clinical characterization in children and adolescents from a reference center in Tunja, Boyacá.

Abstract

Introduction: DSM V defines Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) as deficiencies in communication and social interaction, through repetitive behavior patterns. The etiology is multifactorial, involving genetic and environmental factors. Early detection is crucial, but lacks of data in Boyacá distinguish the need for local research to c interventions. Objective: make clinical characterization of the population of children and adolescents diagnosed with ASD attending to a reference center in Tunja, Boyacá. Methodology: We carried out a retrospective observational study on children and adolescents diagnosed as ASD in Boyacá. Cases older than 18 years and registered prior to 2021 were excluded. Clinical records from 2021 to 2023 were reviewed, collecting demographic data, family history, and developmental aspects. Information was gathered using a Google Forms questionnaire and analyzed using frequency and central tendency measures. Results: Data were obtained from 214 patients, which 20 were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, with an age of diagnosis between 3-6 years. The most frequent autism spectrum disorder was moderate (75%), with the most common symptom being late language development (100%) followed by impaired connection with the environment (80%). Conclusions: It would be pertinent to carry out a collaborative departmental study in the future that allows including the different institutions that provide child care services in Boyacá to obtain a more significant sample and more precise results.