Date of Award
2025
Type
Thesis
Major
Health Science
Degree Type
Master of Public Health
Department
Kinesiology and Health Sciences
First Advisor
Carlene Robinson, DrPH
Second Advisor
Patricia Anafi, PhD
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability accompanied by a wide range of neurodevelopmental disorders. ASD can affect anyone regardless of race, socioeconomic status, or ethnicity (CDC, 2025). Individuals with ASD tend to have issues with various challenges and strengths regarding how they learn, think, and solve problems. Some children with ASD have repetitive patterns of behavior, restricted interest in activities, and difficulty in communication and social interaction.
According to the World Health Organization, the global prevalence of ASD 1 in 100 children diagnosed with Autism. Additional data supplied by the CDC states that the number of children with autism has increased over the years, while also stating that boys, as compared to girls, are four times more likely to be diagnosed with ASD (CDC, 2025). The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends developmental surveillance at every well-child visit and universal screening for autism spectrum at 18 and 24 months of age (Hyman et al., 2020). Despite these guidelines, many pediatric offices fail to follow the recommendations, resulting in children being overlooked and crucial red flags being missed. Although ASD can be diagnosed reliably at age two, most children are diagnosed after the age of 4 (National Institute of Mental Health, 2023).
Recommended Citation
Loud, Kiara, "Autism and the Delay of Diagnosis in African American Communities" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 768.
https://csuepress.columbusstate.edu/theses_dissertations/768
