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Effect of Parental Severe Mental Disorders on the Timing of Autism Diagnosis: A Family Linkage Study

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Effect of Parental Severe Mental Disorders on the Timing of Autism Diagnosis: A Family Linkage Study
Language: English
Authors: Yu Tuan, Li-Chi Chen, I.-Chun Chen, Shih-Jen Tsai, Tzeng-Ji Chen, Mu-Hong Chen (ORCID 0000-0001-6516-1073)
Source: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 2025 55(12):4304-4311.
Availability: Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 8
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Clinical Diagnosis, Age, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Parents, Mental Disorders, Severe Disabilities, Children, Substance Abuse, Schizophrenia, Depression (Psychology), Risk, Foreign Countries
Geographic Terms: Taiwan
DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06518-9
ISSN: 0162-3257
1573-3432
Abstract: The mean diagnosis age of autism was about 5 years in Taiwan. Whether the delayed diagnosis of autism ([greater than or equal to] 6 years) was associated with parental severe mental disorders remained unknown. The parents of 22,859 autistic individuals and 228,590 age- and sex-matched nonautistic individuals were assessed for the presence of severe mental disorders (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, alcohol use disorder, and substance use disorder). The timing of autism diagnosis was classified into three age categories: < 6 years, 6-11 years, and [greater than or equal to] 12 years. Logistic regression models were used to examine associations between parental severe mental disorders and these age categories of autism diagnosis. Parental schizophrenia and substance use disorders were associated with the delayed diagnosis of autism, both diagnosis at [greater than or equal to] 12 years (odds ratio [OR]: 2.14; 1.57) and at 6-11 years (1.87; 1.38). Parental bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder were also associated with the delayed diagnosis of autism, especially diagnosis at 6-11 years (OR 1.98; 1.86). Our findings underscore the need for clinicians to monitor the neurodevelopmental conditions of offspring born to parents with severe mental disorders during the early stages of their life.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1492351
Database: ERIC
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Abstract:The mean diagnosis age of autism was about 5 years in Taiwan. Whether the delayed diagnosis of autism ([greater than or equal to] 6 years) was associated with parental severe mental disorders remained unknown. The parents of 22,859 autistic individuals and 228,590 age- and sex-matched nonautistic individuals were assessed for the presence of severe mental disorders (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, alcohol use disorder, and substance use disorder). The timing of autism diagnosis was classified into three age categories: < 6 years, 6-11 years, and [greater than or equal to] 12 years. Logistic regression models were used to examine associations between parental severe mental disorders and these age categories of autism diagnosis. Parental schizophrenia and substance use disorders were associated with the delayed diagnosis of autism, both diagnosis at [greater than or equal to] 12 years (odds ratio [OR]: 2.14; 1.57) and at 6-11 years (1.87; 1.38). Parental bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder were also associated with the delayed diagnosis of autism, especially diagnosis at 6-11 years (OR 1.98; 1.86). Our findings underscore the need for clinicians to monitor the neurodevelopmental conditions of offspring born to parents with severe mental disorders during the early stages of their life.
ISSN:0162-3257
1573-3432
DOI:10.1007/s10803-024-06518-9