Ethnic Group Differences in the Timing of Autism Diagnosis, Intellectual Disability, and Educational Placement of Autistic Children in Singapore

Given Singapore’s distinct multicultural identity, this study examined the hypotheses that there may be ethnic group differences in diagnosis and outcomes in autistic children in Singapore.

Retrospective data were obtained from medical records of all children born between 2008 and 2011 who were diagnosed with clinical or confirmed autism. One-way ANOVAs and regression analyses were used to analyze data.

Data from 2577 medical records were extracted. There were more boys (82.5%) and ethnic group distribution was Chinese (67%), Malay (14%), Indian (10%), and Others (10%). Chinese children were more likely to present at a developmental clinic with concerns 3–4 months younger compared to Malay children and those from Other Races (F(3, 2038) = 9.58, p < .001, Cohen’s F = 0.12). Chinese children were also more likely to receive an autism diagnosis approximately 3 months younger compared to Malay children. Fewer autistic Chinese children were diagnosed with co-occurring intellectual disability (13.1%) while there were almost twice more Malay children than expected with co-occurring intellectual disability (29.9%) (χ² (3) = 55.17, p < .001). There are correspondingly more Malay children on the autism spectrum who attend special education schools. Possible confounding variables such as household income level and mother’s level of education were identified in some of these findings.

Several significant ethnic group differences in autistic children in Singapore exist that warrant more investigation into possible causes and support systems needed, with implications for other ethnically diverse nations.