Study Examines Lengthy Gap in Autism Diagnosis for Children

Why it matters locally: The study focused specifically on children in the Atlanta metropolitan area, making it directly relevant to Georgia families and healthcare providers. The findings suggest potential gaps in diagnostic efficiency within the state's medical system that may warrant review by local pediatric and developmental services.

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Children in metropolitan Atlanta diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder experienced a delay of more than a year between initial evaluation and diagnosis, according to a study in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. The report, published in the journal's April autism supplement, found children were first evaluated at approximately four years old. The average age of diagnosis was five years and one month. The study focused on children diagnosed within the Atlanta metropolitan area. Researchers examined the timeline from the first evaluation to the final diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. The findings highlight the time it takes for medical professionals to reach a conclusive diagnosis after a child is initially assessed for potential developmental issues.