The epidemiologic study of the risk of autism spectrum disorders in children of 16-24 months in Russia, 2015-2016

Abstract

The prevalence of risk of ASD (a condition of a pre-illness) was 103.5 cases per 1000 of children aged 16-24 months. Some of the children at ASD risk had a preventive consultation with a psychiatrist, 36 children (0.5 per 1000 peers) had severe clinical disorders classified as F84 - 'Pervasive developmental disorders' of ICD-10 (F84.0; F84.1; F84.8). From the perspective of predicative and preventive medicine, children at risk require complex measures to prevent the onset of a mental disorder or worsening of the mental state of the child.

Epidemiological Study on the Early Detection of Mental Disorders in Young Children in Russia

“…According to an Italian child psychiatrist, Professor M. Zappella, the striking differences in epidemiological estimates are associated with the methods used in the examination and assessing of children. The primary method for assessing autism, he notes, should be a clinical examination of the child and family, with possible involvement of psychometric research data [ 28 ].…”

“…In Russia, epidemiological screening for MBDDs was initiated by the Ministry of Health and was carried out in two stages, between 2015 and 2019. Firstly, screening of children 16 to 24 months old was implemented in order to assess the risk of developing ASDs in the three largest Russian regions [ 28 , 29 ]. Secondly, the scope of the screening was extended, with the aim to explore the risk of developing MBDDs of different origins (including ASDs) among children between 18 and 48 months of age across nine regions of Russia (Volgograd, Kirov, Moscow, Novosibirsk, Orenburg, Tver, Chelyabinsk, Yaroslavl, and Stavropol).…”

“…In Russia, epidemiological screening for MBDDs was initiated by the Ministry of Health and was carried out in two stages, between 2015 and 2019. Firstly, screening of children 16 to 24 months old was implemented in order to assess the risk of developing ASDs in the three largest Russian regions [28,29]. Secondly, the scope of the screening was extended, with the aim of the overall sample (Figure 1a).…”

“…Only dynamic observation of the children enables further diagnostic specification.The present study's findings also suggest that the prevalence of ASDs is 0.18%, or 18 cases per 10,000 of children population between 18-48 months old. In our previous pilot study conducted between 2015 and 2016, the prevalence of ASDs was estimated at 0.05%, or 5 cases per 10,000 child population between 16 and 24 months old (diagnosed according to the ICD-10 criteria)[28]. Thus, estimation of the prevalence of ASDs has increased with the expansion of the age range.…”