Factors Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the Neurocognitive Unit in Congo

Abstract

Introduction: ASD is a set of neurodevelopmental disorders affecting communication, interpersonal relationships, behaviors and activities of the child that are restricted and repetitive. The objective was to identify the factors associated with the evolution of ASD at the neurocognitive exploration unit of the Brazzaville University Hospital in Congo. Methodology: It was a prospective cohort study carried out at the neurocognitive exploration unit of the CHU-B over a period of 21 months. It concerned patients with ASD aged 3 to 16 years. Their diagnosis was made according to the criteria of the DSM-V. After an initial assessment, then the establishment of codified and adapted care, a final assessment of the degree of severity was carried out at 9 months using the CARS autism assessment scale. Results: The frequency of ASD was high (55.6%). These were dominated by childhood autism (84.9%). The average age of onset of signs was 16.1 ± 5.2 months, and that of diagnosis was 7.1 ± 2.9 years. The main treatment methods implemented were schooling in a special (50%) or ordinary school (40%), speech therapy (91.5%), developmental and behavioral therapies (50%), and psychotherapy (50%). The evolution at 9 months was marked by an improvement (10.9%) in the degree of severity of ASD, with associated factors such as young age at diagnosis, the absence of cognitive disorders and schooling in an ordinary school. Conclusion: The management of ASD in Brazzaville improves the degree of severity under certain conditions. Therefore, a parental awareness campaign and early screening of ASD in schools are needed to facilitate socio-relational integration.