Identification, Evaluation, and Management of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder (2025)

Implementing an early detection program for autism in primary healthcare: Screening, education of healthcare professionals, referrals for diagnostic evaluation, and early intervention

Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 2020

Background: Improving early detection of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is critical because it allows for earlier intervention, which has been shown to improve outcomes in core behavioral and skill deficits related to ASD. We studied the implementation of an early detection program for ASD in primary healthcare and evaluated its results. Method: Nine primary healthcare centers in the capital area of Reykjavik, Iceland were randomly selected for participation. The program included the following: screening for ASD with the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-up during routine developmental surveillance at 30 months of age; education of well-child care professionals; referrals for diagnostic evaluation; and early intervention. Results: Among the 1586 children screened, 26 screened positive and 25 were evaluated, of whom 18 were diagnosed with ASD and six with other neurodevelopmental disorders, giving positive predictive values (PPVs) of 0.72 and 0.96, respectively. The screening detected eight children with ASD who were missed by other referrers. The mean time from screening to intervention was 3.56 months (SD = 4.00), and 18.28 months (SD = 2.72) from screening to diagnostic evaluation. Of the well-child care professionals who attended an educational course, 79 % had not received prior education on ASD. Participation in the course contributed to increased self-perceived knowledge and confidence in identifying behaviors indicating ASD. The screening was well received by stakeholders, and PPV for ASD was relatively high, providing evidence of its feasibility. The long wait-time for diagnostic evaluation and the lack of ASD education among well-child care professionals needs to be addressed. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by impairments in social interaction, communication, and restricted and stereotyped interests or behaviors (American Psychiatric Association.,

Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders Guidelines for Early Identification, Screening, and Clinical Management of

Identification and Evaluation of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Pediatrics, 2007

Autism spectrum disorders are not rare; many primary care pediatricians care for several children with autism spectrum disorders. Pediatricians play an important role in early recognition of autism spectrum disorders, because they usually are the first point of contact for parents. Parents are now much more aware of the early signs of autism spectrum disorders because of frequent coverage in the media; if their child demonstrates any of the published signs, they will most likely raise their concerns to their child's pediatrician. It is important that pediatricians be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorders and have a strategy for assessing them systematically. Pediatricians also must be aware of local resources that can assist in making a definitive diagnosis of, and in managing, autism spectrum disorders. The pediatrician must be familiar with developmental, educational, and community resources as well as medical subspecialty clinics. This clinical...

Executive Summary: Identification, Evaluation, and Management of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Pediatrics, 2019

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD): A current review of assessment, risk factors and prevention

2018

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are extremely heritable neurodevelopmental disorders observed in 1-2% of children, usually seen before they reach 3 years of age. ASD is characterized by impaired social behavior, poor communication, stereotypic behavior, abnormal sensitivity to sensory stimuli and self-injurious behavior. The exact causes of ASD are unclear but increased oxidative stress; hyperserotonemia and loss of purkinje cell integrity in the cerebellum are some pathological findings in ASD. This article reviews trends in assessment of this neurodevelopmental disorder, autism risk factors, and preventions for autism. Screening tools for ASD, such as checklist for autism in toddlers (CHAT), modified checklist for autism in toddlers (M-CHAT), autism behavior checklist (ABC) and the autism spectrum screening questionnaire (ASSQ), social communication questionnaire (SCQ), australian scale for asperger syndrome (ASAS), are available for use by general pediatricians. Pregnant ladies ...

Improving Early Identification and Intervention for Children at Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Pediatrics, 2017

OBJECTIVES: To provide an example of a successful, novel statewide effort to increase early identification of young children at risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using a 2-tiered screening process with enhanced quality assessment, interagency policy collaboration and coordination.

Autism spectrum disorders: an overview on diagnosis and treatment

Revista Brasileira de Psiquiatria, 2013

Pervasive developmental disorders are now commonly referred to as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). ASDs present with a range of severity and impairments, and often are a cause of severe disability, representing a major public health concern. The diagnostic criteria require delays or abnormal functioning in social interaction, language, and/or imaginative play within the first 3 years of life, resulting in a deviation from the developmental pattern expected for the age. Because establishing a diagnosis of ASD is possible as early as 18-24 months of age, clinicians should strive to identify and begin intervention in children with ASD as soon as signs are manifest. Increasing efforts are underway to make ASD screening universal in pediatric healthcare. Given the crucial importance of early identification and multiple modalities of treatment for ASD, this review will summarize the diagnostic criteria, key areas for assessment by clinicians, specific scales and instruments for assessment, and discussion of evidence-based treatment programs and the role of specific drug therapies for symptom management.

The importance of early identification and intervention for children with or at risk for autism spectrum disorders

International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 2014

Early Screening of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Recommendations for Practice and Research

Pediatrics, 2015

This article reviews current evidence for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) screening based on peer-reviewed articles published to December 2013. Screening provides a standardized process to ensure that children are systematically monitored for early signs of ASD to promote earlier diagnosis. The current review indicates that screening in children aged 18 to 24 months can assist in early detection, consistent with current American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendations. We identify ASD-specific and broadband screening tools that have been ev-aluated in large community samples which show particular promise in terms of accurate classification and clinical utility. We also suggest strategies to help overcome challenges to implementing ASD screening in community practice, as well as priorities for future research.

The screening and diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorders

Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 1999

The Child Neurology Society and American Academy of Neurology recently proposed to formulate Practice Parameters for the Diagnosis and Evaluation of Autism for their memberships. This endeavor was expanded to include representatives from nine professional organizations and four parent organizations, with liaisons from the National Institutes of Health. This document was written by this multidisciplinary Consensus Panel after systematic analysis of over 2,500 relevant scientific articles in the literature. The Panel concluded that appropriate diagnosis of autism requires a dual-level approach: (a) routine developmental surveillance, and (b) diagnosis and evaluation of autism. Specific detailed recommendations for each level have been established in this document, which are intended to improve the rate of early suspicion and diagnosis of, and therefore early intervention for, autism.