Cross-cultural differences in autistic characteristics: a comparison between Spain and Colombia

Over the last few years, there has been an increase in the extent of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with developed countries having a higher incidence than developing ones. On the other hand, Latin America lacks studies on autism because the instruments for its detection and diagnosis have not been psychometrically validated. This study aimed to analyze the differences in ASD traits among individuals in Spain and Colombia, with results indicating no significant differences in sample characteristics regarding age, sex, and type of ASD. However, differences in diagnostic comorbidity with intellectual disability have been found between both samples and factors related to the characteristics of the Colombian cases may have influenced the results. Specifically, higher levels of severity of stereotypes, compulsions, and restricted interests were found in Colombian individuals with ASD compared to the Spanish population. Future studies should increase the sample size and analyze the psychometric properties of autism detection and diagnosis instruments in Colombia.