Autism Spectrum Disorder in Preschoolers: Characteristics and Associated Risk Factors in a Family Medicine Unit in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico

Abstract

Objective: To determine the characteristics and risk factors associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder in children aged 3 to 6 years. Methods: Retrospective study in clinical records of children aged 3-6 years diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in 2022 at the Family Medicine Unit No. 16 of Mexicali, Baja California of the Mexican Social Security Institute. The variables studied were: age, sex, family history of autism spectrum disorder and advanced age of parents, perinatal history and treatment. Results: 39 cases of patients aged 3 to 6 years were observed. The following predominated: Male sex 70.39%, average age 5.08 years, family history of autism 59%; history of prematurity 7.7% and fetal distress 17.9%. Pharmacological treatment 74.4% and stimulation 28.2%. Conclusions: The risk factors most frequently associated with autism were family history of this problem, fetal distress and prematurity. Most patients received pharmacological treatment and early stimulation therapy, almost a third of them.