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Autism Spectrum Disorder/Takiwatanga: An Integrated Data Infrastructure-Based Approach to Autism Spectrum Disorder Research in New Zealand

Autism Spectrum Disorder/Takiwatanga: An Integrated Data Infrastructure-Based Approach to Autism Spectrum Disorder Research in New Zealand

Authors :
Bowden, Nicholas
Thabrew, Hiran
Kokaua, Jesse
Audas, Richard
Milne, Barry
Smiler, Kirsten
Stace, Hilary
Taylor, Barry
Gibb, Sheree
Source :
Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice. Nov 2020 24(8):2213-2227.
Publication Year :
2020

Abstract

New Zealand has few estimates of the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder and no national registry. The use of administrative data sources is expanding and could be useful in autism spectrum disorder research. However, the extent to which autism spectrum disorder can be captured in these data sources is unknown. In this study, we utilised three linked administrative health data sources from the Integrated Data Infrastructure to identify cases of autism spectrum disorder among New Zealand children and young people. We then investigated the extent to which a range of mental health, neurodevelopmental and related problems co-occur with autism spectrum disorder. In total, 9555 unique individuals aged 0-24 with autism spectrum disorder were identified. The identification rate for 8-year-olds was 1 in 102. Co-occurring mental health or related problems were noted in 68% of the autism spectrum disorder group. The most common co-occurring conditions were intellectual disability, disruptive behaviours and emotional problems. Although data from the Integrated Data Infrastructure may currently undercount cases of autism spectrum disorder, they could be useful for monitoring service and treatment-related trends, types of co-occurring conditions and for examining social outcomes. With further refinement, the Integrated Data Infrastructure could prove valuable for informing the national incidence and prevalence of autism spectrum disorder and the long-term effectiveness of clinical guidelines and interventions for this group.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1362-3613
Volume :
24
Issue :
8
Database :
ERIC
Journal :
Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
EJ1270042
Document Type :
Journal Articles<br />Reports - Research
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361320939329