2026 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 15-17, 2026 • Jacksonville, FL
| Diagnostic Delays in Children with Co-Occurring Autism Spectrum Disorder and Hearing Loss: Exploring Contributing Factors that Affect Age of Diagnosis
Diagnostic Delays in Children with Co-Occurring Autism Spectrum Disorder and Hearing Loss: Exploring Contributing Factors that Affect Age of Diagnosis
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulty with social interactions, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. 1 in 31 children in the United States were diagnosed with ASD in 2022, reflecting one of the most urgent public health challenges in child development. Hearing loss (HL) is another developmentally significant condition, affecting an estimated 1.7 of every 1,000 children, with lasting implications on language, learning, and social engagement.
HL and abnormal auditory function occur more often in children with ASD compared to the general population (3.5% to 55%), and rates of ASD in children with HL are higher (6-7%) when compared to nonautistic youths (3.2%). When both conditions co-exist, the diagnostic journey can often be prolonged, complex, and fragmented. When an individual has both ASD and HL, the presence of one condition may delay or mask the diagnosis of the other, a phenomenon known as diagnostic overshadowing. The potential for misdiagnosis and delayed intervention is considerable, as children with HL receive a diagnosis of ASD an average of three years later than their hearing peers.
Although prior research has established diagnostic overshadowing as a barrier to accurate and timely diagnosis, few studies have directly examined the specific variables that contribute to these delays. This retrospective cohort investigation seeks to address this gap by evaluating diagnostic barriers for children with a dual diagnosis of HL and ASD. Each variable will be analyzed for its relative contribution to diagnostic delay, with the goal of identifying actionable predictors of risk. Findings from this work will inform the development of interdisciplinary diagnostic protocols and evidence-based screening strategies. By reducing diagnostic delay, this research aims to expand equitable access to early intervention and optimize outcomes for children living at the intersection of hearing loss and autism.
- Attendees will be able to describe the prevalence and impact of co-occurring ASD and HL.
- Attendees will be able to identify barriers that contribute most to delayed diagnosis of ASD and HL in children with dual diagnoses.
- Attendees will be able to recognize how clinical, provider, and family-level factors influence age of diagnosis and apply study findings to improve interdisciplinary collaboration and referral pathways in clinical practice.
Presentation:
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Handouts:
Handout is not Available
Transcripts:
CART transcripts are NOT YET available, but will be posted shortly after the conference
Presenters/Authors
Casey Martin
(Primary Presenter,Author), University of Miami, Children's Hearing Program, crm1677@miami.edu;
Casey Martin is a full-time graduate student in the Doctor of Audiology program at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences from the University of Connecticut in 2022 and currently serves as the LEND Audiology Extern at the University of Miami Children’s Hearing Program. Casey is passionate about supporting children and families affected by hearing loss and additional exceptionalities. Her research interests center on advancing early intervention and promoting evidence-based, comprehensive, and patient-centered care through strong interdisciplinary collaboration.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Chrisanda Sanchez
(Author,Co-Author), University of Miami Department of Otolaryngology, cmsanchez@med.miami.edu;
Dr. Chrisanda Sanchez is a bilingual pediatric audiologist at the University of Miami. She is an Associate Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology and the Director of the Children’s Hearing Program at the University of Miami. Dr. Sanchez’s clinical career has centered around pediatrics, specializing in pediatric cochlear implants, hearing aids, and other implantable devices. Her research focuses on improving access to hearing healthcare for Spanish speaking patients and implantable devices, specifically targeting pediatric device implantation and outcomes.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
• Receives Salary for Employment from University of Miami.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Financial relationship with University of Miami.
Nature: Employed by UM.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.