Ethnic Group Differences in the Timing of Autism Diagnosis, Intellectual Disability, and Educational Placement of Autistic Children in Singapore

AIM: Given Singapore's distinct multicultural identity, this study examined the hypotheses that there may be ethnic group differences in diagnosis and outcomes in autistic children in Singapore.

METHODS: Retrospective data were obtained from medical records of all children born between 2008 and 2011 who were diagnosed with clinical or confirmed autism. One-way ANOVAs and regression analyses were used to analyze data.

RESULTS: Data from 2577 medical records were extracted. There were more boys (82.5%) and ethnic group distribution was Chinese (67%), Malay (14%), Indian (10%), and Others (10%). Chinese children were more likely to present at a developmental clinic with concerns 3-4 months younger compared to Malay children and those from Other Races (F(3, 2038) = 9.58, p