All 87 autistic children referred to the Department of Psychiatry from 1976 to 1986 were included as subjects. Their demographic, family, medical, and psychiatric characteristics were described. Sixty-six (75.9%) were traced for follow-up assessment. There was a striking similarity between the characteristics of our sample and those reported in other countries (e.g., sex ratio, intelligence, language ability, behavioral characteristics, and outcome). The finding of less family history of language delay, epilepsy, and sex difference are discussed.
This research was funded by the Committee on Research and Conference Grants, University of Hong Kong.