THE OUTCOME OF CLINICAL DIAGNOSES FOR AUTISTIC DISORDER BY SEX/GENDER: A 10-YEAR RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Background: The phenomenon of transitioning away from a clinical diagnosis of Autistic Disorder has been recognized for decades, yet its relationship with sex/gender remains unclear. Objective: To determine whether clinical outcomes of Autistic Disorder diagnoses are associated with sex/gender and age, and to evaluate any statistical differences between non-Autistic Disorder medical conditions and sex/gender. Methods: Database study of the Child Development / Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinic of a tertiary pediatric hospital and non-public origin, with entry up to 48 months of age, between August 2009 and June 2020. The clinical diagnosis used DSM-IV 299.00 and was established from 36 months onwards. The medical diagnosis and the non-Autistic Disorder medical disorders that could potentially cause developmental delays were exclusion criteria for the study and were monitored. Results: Among 906 children, 186 were excluded, and 68 transitioned out of the Autistic Disorder clinical diagnosis. Transitioning out was not statistically associated with sex/gender but was significantly related to the number of consultations and age. No significant relationship was found between sex/gender and the presence of medical conditions. Conclusions: Sex/gender is not associated with Autistic Disorder clinical diagnostic stability nor with the comorbidities found. However, age and consultation frequency significantly influence diagnostic outcomes, highlighting the importance of longitudinal clinical evaluations.