The Each Child Study: Systematic Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorders in a Pediatric Setting

Keywords

autism, screening– early childhood, community pediatrics, early intervention

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.

Original Publication Citation

Miller, J., Gabrielsen, T.P., Villalobos, M., Segura, B., Alleman, R., Wahmhoff, N., Carbone, P., (2011) The Each Child Study: Comprehensive autism spectrum disorders screening in a pediatric setting. Pediatrics 127 (5), 866 -871, doi: 10.1542/peds.2010-0136

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2011

Publisher

American Academy of Pediatrics

Language

English

College

David O. McKay School of Education

Department

Counseling Psychology and Special Education

University Standing at Time of Publication

Assistant Professor

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