Delayed Diagnosis and Clinical Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children: A Retrospective Study from Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition associated with persistent impairments in social communication and restricted or repetitive behaviors. Early identification is essential for timely intervention and improved developmental outcomes; however, delayed diagnosis remains a significant challenge in many healthcare systems. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic timeline and clinical characteristics of children with ASD in Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan.

Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted using medical records of children diagnosed with ASD and registered at specialized healthcare services in Nakhchivan. Demographic characteristics, age at diagnosis, and associated clinical conditions were extracted from patient records and analyzed using descriptive statistical methods.

Results: More than half of the children (53.3%) received their first ASD diagnosis between the ages of 4 and 6 years, indicating a substantial delay compared with internationally recommended screening periods. Boys represented 68.2% of the study population, confirming the higher prevalence of ASD among males. Speech delay was the most common coexisting condition (38.4%), followed by intellectual disability (30.7%). These findings suggest that many children enter specialized services only after clinically significant developmental impairments have become evident.

Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that ASD diagnosis in this regional population frequently occurs beyond the optimal period for early intervention. Earlier developmental surveillance, routine ASD screening during well-child visits, and improved awareness among healthcare professionals and families may facilitate earlier diagnosis and improve developmental and mental health outcomes. Regional epidemiological studies such as this provide valuable evidence for planning child mental health services and early intervention programs in resource-limited settings.