Urbanicity-related variation in help-seeking and services utilization among preschool-age children with autism in Taiwan

J Autism Dev Disord. 2008 Mar;38(3):489-97. doi: 10.1007/s10803-007-0416-y. Epub 2007 Jul 31.

Abstract

The present study examines urbanicity-related differences in help-seeking process among preschool children with autism and investigates the factors associated with utilization of autism-related services within the year of diagnosis. Using the 1997-2004 National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) in Taiwan, we identified a total of 3495 autistic children born in 1997-1999 and 13964 matched controls. Results indicate that suburban and rural autism tended to receive the diagnosis at an older age and to have a longer diagnosis process as compared with urban counterparts. Male gender, a younger age of diagnosis, and being diagnosed by psychiatric specialty strongly predict subsequent greater utilization of autism-specific services (all p < 0.05). Health policy makers and other service providers should address the needs of children with early-onset neurodevelopmental disorders in rural areas, particularly those from disadvantaged families.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Autistic Disorder / epidemiology*
  • Child
  • Child Health Services / statistics & numerical data*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Humans
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data*
  • Prevalence
  • Taiwan / epidemiology
  • Urban Population / statistics & numerical data*
  • Urbanization*