article · Pan African Medical Journal
Clinical evaluations across three outpatient neurodevelopmental disorder centres in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, show that autism spectrum disorder is frequently identified among referred patients. Male children appear to be more commonly affected by the condition than female children. The primary co-morbidities documented alongside autism spectrum disorder are epilepsy and intellectual disabilities. In light of these clinical patterns, comprehensive screening for autism and associated conditions is advised for all individuals referred for neurodevelopmental concerns. In addition, broader assessments are needed within institutions caring for socially marginalised and rejected children across Kinshasa. Early identification through systematic screening enables timely management of autism and its concurrent conditions, which can lead to improved long-term patient prognoses.
Identifying the clinical prevalence and co-occurring conditions of autism spectrum disorder is essential for designing appropriate local healthcare responses. Recognising that epilepsy and intellectual disabilities frequently accompany autism helps medical practitioners initiate early diagnostic evaluations and integrated management plans, ultimately improving the developmental trajectory and quality of life for affected children in urban healthcare settings.
The abstract does not indicate an immediate commercial application pathway, focusing instead on early-stage observational healthcare findings. The stated requirement for widespread screening could, however, inform public health providers and non-governmental organisations seeking to introduce or adapt low-cost neurodevelopmental screening toolkits and clinical training packages for primary healthcare clinics and child welfare institutions.
AI-generated from the published abstract. Always read the original work before citing.
ASD is frequent among patients referred for neurodevelopmental disorders in the three outpatients' centers for neurodevelopmental disorders in Kinshasa. Males seem to be more affected than female. The main co-morbidities were epilepsy and intellectual disabilities. Our findings suggest that it is important to screen for ASD and co-morbidities among all subjects referred for neurodevelopmental disorders and to undertake survey on ASD in various structures of rejected children from the society in Kinshasa DRC. This will help to identify and manage ASD and associated co-morbidities at an early stage for a better prognosis.
This page summarises published work. The authoritative version sits with the publisher.
DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2016.25.82.4151
Is something wrong with this record? Report it or request removal.
Discussion
Have you built on this work, tried to replicate it, or seen it applied in practice? Share what you know. Verified researchers and MARATTO™ domain experts can open a discussion, and any member can reply. Contributions are reviewed before they appear.
No discussion yet. Open the first thread.
New to MARATTO™? Create a free account.
