Studies of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have suggested that less-privileged children (those of color, from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, and from families with lower educational levels) have a lower prevalence of ASD compared with other children.

In a study published online on December 16 in the Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Kathleen McGrath, M.S.S., Karen Bonuck, Ph.D., Mana Mann, M.D., and colleagues assessed the prevalence and geographic differences of ASD diagnoses in New York State by English Language Learner (ELL) status. In contrast to prior research on ASD prevalence among minority groups, the researchers found disproportionately higher rates of ASD among school districts with higher proportions of Black and Hispanic students. Geographic analysis revealed school districts with high ASD rates were clustered in urban regions throughout New York, particularly in New York City and Albany. The researchers concluded that further research is needed to explore possible reasons for this occurrence.

Ms. McGrath is the research coordinator of the Rose F. Kennedy University Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) at Einstein-Montefiore. Dr. Bonuck is professor of obstetrics & gynecology and women’s health and of pediatrics at Einstein and co-director of the UCEDD. Dr. Mann is an assistant professor of pediatrics at Einstein.