# Early Behavioural Signs among Nepalese Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

## TL;DR

This study examines early behavioral signs in children with autism in Nepal, finding that most show these signs early on.

## Contribution

The study reports a high prevalence of early behavioral signs in Nepalese children with autism, contributing regional data to global understanding.

## Key findings

- 112 out of 120 children showed early behavioral signs of autism.
- The prevalence rate was 93.33% with a 95% confidence interval of 88.83-97.77%.
- The findings align with global patterns in autism symptom emergence.

## Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex neurodevelopmental condition. Early identification of symptoms is crucial for timely intervention, yet diagnosing very young children can be challenging due to the variability in symptom presentation and the influence of other developmental factors. This study aimed to find the prevalence of the emergence of early behavioural signs in Nepalese children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Centre for Autism in Kathmandu, Nepal, from January 2023 to June 2023. Ethical approval was obtained, and a sample of 120 children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder was included in the study. Convenience sampling method was used. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated.

Among 120 children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, the prevalence of emergence of early behavioural signs was seen in 112 (93.33%) (88.83-97.77, 95% Confidence Interval) children.

This study provides insights into the emergence of early behavioural signs in Nepalese children with Autism Spectrum Disorder which align with global patterns in prevalence and severity.