For Black Children, Autism Diagnosis Delayed By An Average Of Three Years After Parents Seek Professional Help

Among Black children with autism in the United States, autism diagnosis occurred on average three years after their parents reported concerns to a professional about their child’s development. On average, parents noted problems when the child was 23 months old, and on average told a health care professional their concerns about six months later. Their average age at diagnosis was 65 months, and the median age was 48 months. The average delay was 42.3 months after the parents first noted concerns about their child's development.

Among all children with autism, about 85% of parents first express concern . . .