Explaining low rates of autism among Hispanic schoolchildren in Texas

Am J Public Health. 2010 Feb;100(2):270-2. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2008.150565. Epub 2009 Dec 17.

Abstract

In data from the Texas Educational Agency and the Health Resources and Services Administration, we found fewer autism diagnoses in school districts with higher percentages of Hispanic children. Our results are consistent with previous reports of autism rates 2 to 3 times as high among non-Hispanic Whites as among Hispanics. Socioeconomic factors failed to explain lower autism prevalence among Hispanic schoolchildren in Texas. These findings raise questions: Is autism underdiagnosed among Hispanics? Are there protective factors associated with Hispanic ethnicity?

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Autistic Disorder / ethnology*
  • Autistic Disorder / prevention & control
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Epidemiologic Factors
  • Humans
  • Mexican Americans*
  • Mexico / ethnology
  • Prevalence
  • Risk
  • Texas / epidemiology
  • White People / statistics & numerical data