Sociodemographic and Developmental Correlates of Autism Spectrum Disorder Severity in Children from Ahmedabad, Western India

This study examined how sociodemographic, perinatal, and developmental factors relate to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) severity in children from Ahmedabad, India. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 108 DSM-5–diagnosed ASD children. Symptom severity was assessed using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). Data on birth factors, family background, and developmental milestones were collected through caregiver interviews and records. Spearman’s correlation and regression analyses were performed. CARS scores showed no significant association with birthweight, maternal age, or socioeconomic status. Delayed developmental milestones were the only factor significantly associated with ASD severity (p < 0.01). No statistically significant differences in severity were observed across socioeconomic groups. Delayed developmental milestones were the only factor significantly associated with ASD severity in this cohort, underscoring the importance of early developmental surveillance and timely intervention. • Developmental milestone delay was associated with greater ASD severity in a clinic-based Indian cohort • Birth weight, maternal age, and socioeconomic status were not associated with ASD severity • Developmental delay accounted for a modest proportion of variance in CARS scores • Findings emphasize early developmental markers as indicators of neurodevelopmental vulnerability