The Relationship Between Socioeconomic Status and the Timing of Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis

Abstract

An early autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis can promote positive outcomes and significantly improve the effectiveness of interventions and support for autistic individuals. However, there are documented disparities in the prevalence of early ASD diagnosis across demographic groups. Children in higher income families, white children, and children assigned male at birth are more likely to receive an official diagnosis of ASD. In order to develop a comprehensive understanding of the specific barriers and facilitators parents and caregivers face when seeking a diagnosis for their child, the current study utilized a mixed-method design. Participants completed an initial survey about their experiences and interviewees were then selected from participants who expressed interest in further involvement. These participants engaged in a semi-structured interview, elaborating on the process of obtaining an ASD diagnosis for their child. Using a mixed-method design, we conducted ANOVA, descriptive, and inferential statistical tests with 33 survey responses and conducted rounds of deductive and inductive coding of 17 interviews to answer our research questions. Findings from an explanatory approach to mixed-method data suggest family size, marital status, and age of child are related to quality and timing of an ASD diagnosis. In addition, findings from an exploratory approach identified key barriers (e.g., institutional delay, misalignment with others, caregiver misunderstandings) and facilitators (e.g., child-to-peer comparison, community connection to resources, school faculty concerns) to ASD diagnosis. Future research can validate these findings and help inform policies and strategies to reduce specific obstacles to diagnosis, making the process more accessible to families across diverse backgrounds.