Rise in Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnoses: A Comparative Analysis of Pre-pandemic and Pandemic Periods.

Introduction  This study analyzes the rise in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses by comparing pre-pandemic (2017-2019) and pandemic period (2021-2023) data from two private pediatric practices with different populations in New York. The year 2020 was out of the analysis to focus on the impact after the shutdowns on ASD, and there were disruptions in clinic operations during that year. Clinic I primarily served an African-American ethnic population, while Clinic II primarily served an Asian population. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted using de-identified patient numbers from the electronic medical records (EMR) of two private clinics. Only the numbers of new patients diagnosed each year were included from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2019 (pre-pandemic), and January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2023 (pandemic). Sixteen ASD International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision (ICD-10) codes were included in this analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to find important patterns and determine statistical significance. Results The study included 537 patients, 182 from Clinic I and 355 from Clinic II. Clinic I demonstrated a significant increase in ASD diagnoses, from 63 (pre-pandemic) to 119 (pandemic) (χ2=17.23; p=0.000033). Clinic II demonstrated a significant increase in ASD diagnoses, from 149 (pre-pandemic) to 206 (pandemic) (χ2=9.15; p=0.00248). Conclusion The significant increase in ASD diagnoses in two private pediatric practices with different populations indicates a notable association with the shutdown periods and the pandemic. Factors such as disrupted routines, changes in access to healthcare services, and increased parental awareness may have contributed to this rise. Further longitudinal studies are needed to understand the long-term impacts of the pandemic on ASD diagnoses and care.