This study aimed to assess the common clinical characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In the next step, clinical features associated with the severity of ASD were identified.

Our analysis showed that ASD is more common in males (78.7%) than females (21.3%). Additionally, ASD was more prevalent among families with lower income levels. We found that 96.4% of patients developed at least one co-morbid condition. The most common neuropsychiatric co-morbidities included developmental delay (64%), behavioral and conduct problems (57.8%) and anxiety (45.7%). The odds of intellectual disability (odds ratio, OR: 5.8), developmental delay (OR: 5.0), Down syndrome (OR: 4.5), epilepsy (OR: 3.4), cerebral palsy (OR: 3.0), vision problems (OR: 2.5), and genetic disorders (OR: 2.3) were significantly higher among severe cases.

The presence of numerous co-morbidities in individuals with ASD, often linked to increased ASD severity, demonstrates the critical importance of comprehensive screening, early diagnosis, and targeted treatment strategies to enhance the overall health and well-being of these individuals.