The Each Child Study: Systematic Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorders in a Pediatric Setting
- 1 May 2011
- journal article
- Published by American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in PEDIATRICS
- Vol. 127 (5), 866-871
- https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2010-0136
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to investigate the feasibility and outcome of a systematic autism screening process for all toddlers (aged 14–30 months) in a large, community-based pediatric practice. METHODS: All toddlers who presented to the clinic during the 6-month screening period were eligible. We used 2 screening questionnaires and allowed physicians to refer directly to capture as many children as possible. Receptionists and medical assistants distributed and collected screening questionnaires; research staff did all scoring and follow-up, either by telephone or in person when indicated. RESULTS: We obtained a high rate of screening (80% of eligible children). Of the 796 children screened, 3 had already been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD); an additional 10 children who showed signs of early ASD that warranted further evaluation or intervention were identified. Formal screening measures identified more children with ASD than did clinical judgment or caregiver concerns; however, no single method (ie, questionnaire, caregiver concerns, provider concerns) identified all children with signs of early ASD. We had excellent participation from racially and ethnically diverse families, including Spanish-speaking families. Thirty-two percent of the children who were screened did not present for a well-child visit during the study period and were screened at a sick visit, follow-up visit, or injection appointment. CONCLUSIONS: A partnership between pediatricians and autism specialists resulted in effective, systematic autism screening. Future studies should examine how to create effective systems of care.Keywords
This publication has 18 references indexed in Scilit:
- Validation of the Infant—Toddler Checklist as a broadband screener for autism spectrum disorders from 9 to 24 months of ageAutism, 2008
- Screening for autism spectrum disorders in primary care settingsAutism, 2008
- Screening for autism in older and younger toddlers with the Modified Checklist for Autism in ToddlersAutism, 2008
- The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers: A Follow-up Study Investigating the Early Detection of Autism Spectrum DisordersJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2007
- Identifying Infants and Young Children With Developmental Disorders in the Medical Home: An Algorithm for Developmental Surveillance and ScreeningPEDIATRICS, 2006
- Early Indicators of Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Second Year of LifeJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2004
- Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales Developmental Profile, First Normed EditionPublished by American Psychological Association (APA) ,2002
- Screening and surveillance for autism and pervasive developmental disordersArchives of Disease in Childhood, 2001
- The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers: An Initial Study Investigating the Early Detection of Autism and Pervasive Developmental DisordersJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2001
- Psychological Markers in the Detection of Autism in Infancy in a Large PopulationThe British Journal of Psychiatry, 1996