Racial disparities in community identification of XXXX over time; Metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, 2000-2006.

@entity1 @entity7864 @entity2438 @entity245 @entity13104 @entity72 @entity717
OBJECTIVE: Past research indicates that @entity7864 ( @entity7864 ) @entity1 are less likely than non-Hispanic white (NHW) @entity1 to have an @entity72 ( @entity72 ) diagnosis, even if they seem to meet criteria for the disorder. This study examined differences in community identification of ASDs between @entity7864 and NHW @entity1 identified by a population-based surveillance system. METHODS: @entity1 were identified as an @entity72 surveillance case by the Metropolitan Atlanta Developmental Disabilities Surveillance Program in surveillance years 2000, 2002, 2004, and 2006. Health and education records were abstracted and reviewed to determine @entity72 surveillance case status; community identification was defined by a documented @entity72 diagnosis, special education eligibility, and behaviors noted in records. @entity1 were placed in 1 of 5 mutually exclusive categories on the basis of @entity72 specificity. RESULTS: Total @entity72 prevalence was higher for NHW than @entity7864 @entity1 , but @entity7864 @entity1 were more likely than NHW @entity1 to have @entity2438 and @entity2438 eligibility at a public school documented in records. @entity7864 @entity1 were less likely than NHW @entity1 to have @entity245 -not otherwise specified and @entity13104 documented in records, even after controlling for socioeconomic status. @entity7864 @entity1 were more likely than NHW @entity1 to have co-occurring @entity717 . CONCLUSION: @entity7864 @entity1 were less likely than NHW @entity1 to have been identified with less severe ASDs, which might have prevented or delayed intervention services that would have catered to their needs. This study illustrates the need for continued professional education, particularly concerning milder ASDs in minority groups.
