To the Editor:
Autism spectrum disorder is diagnosed in 1 out of every 68 children (1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls), and the prevalence has increased 20-fold to 30-fold since 1970.1 Studies have shown increased risk in identical twins. If parents have one child with autism spectrum disorder, they have a 2% to 18% chance of having another affected child.
Prevalence varies in different racial and ethnic groups. In a Swedish study, the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder was 4 to 5 times higher in their Somalian immigrant population.2,3 According to the 2010 American Community Survey data, there are approximately 85 700 people with Somali ancestry in the United States. Approximately 25 000 (one third) live in a growing Minnesota population. A University of Minnesota study indicates higher rates of autism (1 in 32) in the Somali population.4
Autism spectrum disorder is challenging to diagnose, explain, and treat in a cross-cultural setting. We experienced these challenges recently in a Somali family with 3 children with autism spectrum disorder. The parents had not heard of autism or seen anyone with autism in their family or among friends. They asked why it happened in their family and whether their fourth child (a 2-year-old) would also be affected. County social services were arranged, but it will still be a difficult journey for the family, as they will be taking care of one child or another around the clock. Referral to an autism center proved most beneficial.
Awareness of symptoms and treatment of autism spectrum disorder is critical for the Somali American population. This can be done through organizations supporting the Somali immigrant population, and more so by physicians who treat patients in the community. Increasing the services is needed to assist families through support, education, and care such as with the Center for Autism. We advocate for more awareness as a first step to promote healthier patients, families, and society.
References
- 1. Baio J; Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network Surveillance Year 2010 Principal Investigators; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among children aged 8 years—Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, 11 sites, United States, 2010. MMWR Surveill Summ. 2014;63(2):1-21. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ss6302a1.htm. Accessed August 30, 2014. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 2. Barnevik-Olsson M, Gillberg C, Fernell E. Prevalence of autism in children of Somali origin living in Stockholm: brief report of an at-risk population. Dev Med Child Neurol. 2010;52:1167-1168. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 3. Barnevik-Olsson M, Gillberg C, Fernell E. Prevalence of autism in children born to Somali parents living in Sweden: a brief report. Dev Med Child Neurol. 2008;50:598-601. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 4. University of Minnesota. Minneapolis Somali Autism Spectrum Disorder Prevalence Project. Minneapolis, MN: Regents of the University of Minnesota; http://rtc.umn.edu/autism/.Published 2013. Accessed August 30, 2014. [Google Scholar]