Study Identifies Key Factors Influencing Autism Diagnostic Delays in Jordan

September 26, 2026 2 Min Read

Understanding Delays in Autism Diagnosis

A recent study conducted across multiple regions in Jordan has shed light on the factors contributing to delays between the first recognition of developmental concerns and the formal diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This research, involving 384 caregivers of children with confirmed ASD, aimed to explore the caregiver response, help-seeking behaviors, and access-related challenges that may extend the time to diagnosis.

Key Findings on Diagnostic Timing

Caregivers typically noticed developmental concerns when their children were around two years old. However, among those with known diagnostic timing (338 participants), a significant proportion experienced notable delays: over 60% faced delays of six months to a year or more, nearly half waited one to two years or longer, and about a quarter encountered delays exceeding two years.

Factors Associated with Longer Diagnostic Delays

The study found that delays were not strongly linked to sociodemographic factors or the timing of initial recognition. Instead, the following elements were associated with longer intervals before diagnosis:

Caregiver Interpretation: When early signs were initially dismissed as typical developmental variations, the delay was more than twice as likely to be prolonged (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.21).
First Point of Contact: Families who first sought help through speech or learning centers, or other non-pediatric services, experienced longer delays compared to those who consulted pediatricians (AORs of 2.27 and 2.72, respectively).
Professional Reassurance: Caregivers who were previously told by professionals that their child did not have ASD faced extended delays (AOR = 2.18). This factor was consistently linked to delays across various analyses.
Appointment Accessibility: Difficulty securing diagnostic appointments was also associated with longer delays, although this factor showed less consistent statistical significance.

Context and Implications for Families

The findings emphasize that diagnostic delays in Jordan are influenced more by what happens after developmental concerns are noticed rather than by when these concerns are first recognized. The pathways families take to seek help and the responses they receive from professionals play crucial roles in timely diagnosis.

For families, this underscores the importance of early and proactive engagement with pediatric healthcare providers when developmental concerns arise. It also highlights the need for clear referral systems and follow-up procedures when initial reassurances are given.

Limitations and Considerations

While the study identified several significant factors, the overall model explained only a modest portion of the variability in diagnostic delays. This suggests that other unmeasured factors may also contribute. Additionally, as the research was conducted within Jordan, findings may not be directly generalizable to other regions without considering local healthcare structures and cultural contexts.

Conclusions and Recommendations

The research supports initiatives aimed at improving provider training, establishing clearer referral pathways, enhancing appointment availability, and expanding diagnostic services. Equally important is providing caregivers with accessible information and support to navigate the diagnostic process effectively.

For more detailed information, see the original study published on PubMed: From Recognition to Diagnosis: Caregiver Response, Help-Seeking Pathways, and Access-Related Factors Associated with Autism Diagnostic Delay in Jordan.