Otological conditions and autism spectrum disorder in Medicaid beneficiaries aged 1 to 20 years: a cross-sectional study

Otological conditions are known to be a contributing factor for delayed diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The co-occurrence of otological conditions and ASD, however, has not been adequately studied. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of ASD in children according to otological conditions and to assess the associations of otological conditions with ASD.

Audiologists evaluating pediatric patients should be aware that co-occurring ear conditions may contribute to delayed ASD diagnosis; however, this cross-sectional design cannot confirm causation, so no immediate change in diagnostic protocol is warranted pending prospective evidence.

Understanding the overlap between otological conditions and ASD in a large Medicaid population could prompt earlier, coordinated screening between audiology and developmental pediatrics, potentially reducing diagnostic delays for vulnerable children.

1. 01Cross-sectional design using Medicaid beneficiaries aged 1–20 years.
2. 02Examines co-occurrence of otological conditions (e.g., ear infections, hearing loss) with ASD.
3. 03Investigates whether otological conditions are associated with delayed ASD diagnosis.
4. 04Medicaid population may not be representative of privately insured or uninsured groups.
5. 05Findings are associational; causal conclusions cannot be drawn from this design.

PMID

42298469

DOI

10.1186/s12887-026-07033-9.

Journal

BMC Pediatrics

Publication type

research_article

Evidence level

3

Population

Medicaid beneficiaries aged 1–20 years with and without autism spectrum disorder

Intervention

Presence of otological conditions (e.g., otitis media, hearing loss)

Comparator

Medicaid beneficiaries without otological conditions or without ASD