Underlying Factors Behind the Low Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Oman Sociocultural perspective
Journal Title: Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal - Year 2015, Vol 15, Issue 2
Abstract
Epidemiological surveys from various countries indicate an increased prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), leading researchers to debate whether there are now ‘more affected’ or ‘more detected’. Te epidemiology of ASD in developing countries, such as Oman, has generally indicated a lower prevalence compared to developed countries in the West. In Oman, the prevalence is low; however, this article highlights some of the factors that could contribute to the appearance of a low ASD rate: cross-cultural variations in the presentation of distress; a lack of reliable biological markers for diagnosing ASD, and a lack of health services for children with ASD, thus limiting the number of participants in epidemiological surveys. While the defning features of ASD have yet to be established, pilot studies in Oman indicate a substantial number of children with these disorders. Terefore, it is important that these discrepancies be addressed and the need for appropriate services for this patient population in Oman be highlighted.
Authors and Affiliations
Allal Ouhtit| Departments of Genetics, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Yahya Al-Farsi| Departments of Family Medicine & Public Health, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Marwan Al-Sharbati| Departments of Behavioural Medicine, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Mostafa Waly| Department of Food Science & Nutrition, College of Agricultural & Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman, Ishita Gupta| Departments of Genetics, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Omar Al-Farsi| Departments of Family Medicine & Public Health, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Maha Al-Khaduri| Departments of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Mohammed Al-Shafaee| Departments of Family Medicine & Public Health, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University& Vice Dean for Clinical Affairs, Oman Medical College, Sohar, Oman, Samir Al-Adawi| Departments of Behavioural Medicine, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University
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