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Zheng RM, Chan SP, Law EC, Chong SC, Aishworiya R. Validity and feasibility of using the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-Up (M-CHAT-R/F) in primary care clinics in Singapore. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:1758-1771. [PMID: 37882198 PMCID: PMC11191374 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231205748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Systematic screening for autism in early childhood has been suggested to improve eventual outcomes by facilitating earlier diagnosis and access to intervention. However, clinical implementation of screening has to take into account effectiveness and feasibility of use within a healthcare setting for accurate diagnosis of autism. In Singapore, autism screening using a structured screening tool is not currently employed as a part of routine well-child visits for children in primary care clinics. In this study, 5336 children (aged 17-20 months) were screened for autism using the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-Up (M-CHAT-R/F) during their 18-month well-child visit in seven primary care clinics. Screening and follow-up interviews were administered by nursing staff at each clinic. Children screened positive and a portion of those screened negative then underwent diagnostic assessments to determine whether they met the diagnostic criteria for autism. In total, 113 (2.1%) were screened positive, of which 54 (1.0%) met the criteria for autism. Children who screened positive and received a diagnosis accessed autism-specific intervention at an average age of 22 months. Nurses and physicians rated the acceptability and practicality of the M-CHAT-R/F highly. Therefore, the M-CHAT-R/F questionnaire was an effective and feasible tool for autism screening among 18-month-old children in this study. Future studies will be designed to determine the optimal age of screening and role of repeated screening in Singapore, as well as to better understand any potential improved outcomes nationwide compared with pre-implementation of autism screening.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Siew Pang Chan
- National University Heart Centre, Singapore
- National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Evelyn C Law
- National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
- National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Shang Chee Chong
- National University of Singapore, Singapore
- National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Ramkumar Aishworiya
- National University of Singapore, Singapore
- National University Hospital, Singapore
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Sheldrick RC, Hooker JL, Carter AS, Feinberg E, Croen LA, Kuhn J, Slate E, Wetherby AM. The influence of loss to follow-up in autism screening research: Taking stock and moving forward. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024; 65:656-667. [PMID: 37469104 PMCID: PMC10801774 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND How best to improve the early detection of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the subject of significant controversy. Some argue that universal ASD screeners are highly accurate, whereas others argue that evidence for this claim is insufficient. Relatedly, there is no clear consensus as to the optimal role of screening for making referral decisions for evaluation and treatment. Published screening research can meaningfully inform these questions-but only through careful consideration of children who do not complete diagnostic follow-up. METHODS We developed two simulation models that re-analyze the results of a large-scale validation study of the M-CHAT-R/F by Robins et al. (2014, Pediatrics, 133, 37). Model #1 re-analyzes screener accuracy across six scenarios, each reflecting different assumptions regarding loss to follow-up. Model #2 builds on this by closely examining differential attrition at each point of the multi-step detection process. RESULTS Estimates of sensitivity ranged from 40% to 94% across scenarios, demonstrating that estimates of accuracy depend on assumptions regarding the diagnostic status of children who were lost to follow-up. Across a range of plausible assumptions, data also suggest that children with undiagnosed ASD may be more likely to complete follow-up than children without ASD, highlighting the role of clinicians and caregivers in the detection process. CONCLUSIONS Using simulation modeling as a quantitative method to examine potential bias in screening studies, analyses suggest that ASD screening tools may be less accurate than is often reported. Models also demonstrate the critical importance of every step in a detection process-including steps that determine whether children should complete an additional evaluation. We conclude that parent and clinician decision-making regarding follow-up may contribute more to detection than is widely assumed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alice S. Carter
- Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA
| | - Emily Feinberg
- School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, MA
| | - Lisa A. Croen
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA
| | - Jocelyn Kuhn
- School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, MA
| | - Elizabeth Slate
- Department of Statistics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
| | - Amy M. Wetherby
- College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
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3
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Barrett EO, Laholt H, Lorem GF, Wang CEA. Exploring public health nurses' acceptability of clinical assessment tools in a Norwegian child health centre. Prim Health Care Res Dev 2024; 25:e10. [PMID: 38343358 PMCID: PMC10894717 DOI: 10.1017/s146342362400001x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infants' symptoms of mental struggle are often diffuse and undifferentiated, and health services do not identify many infants at risk of poor development. However, primary health care is advantageous for early identification, given there are frequent consultations during the infant's first two years. Health policy encourages using evidence-based screening but use varies in primary health care. The Alarm Distress Baby Scale (ADBB) is an assessment tool targeting social withdrawal in infants 2-24 months of age. AIM To explore contextual factors related to public health nurses' (PHNs) acceptability of clinical assessment tools in a Norwegian child health centre. METHODS Prior to an upcoming ADBB training, we used focus group discussions with PHNs to explore their views on their professional role and practice and how this concurs with using assessment tools. FINDINGS Thematic analysis resulted in the following themes: (1) A Role requiring Supporting the Parents and Safeguarding the Infant; (2) The Challenge of Interpreting Infant Expressions; and (3) Organisational Preconditions for Accepting New Methods. CONCLUSION Our findings show that PHNs regard assessment tools as an aid to detect infants at risk, but that systematic use of such tools can hinder their ability to be flexible, egalitarian, and resource-focused. We also find that acceptability of assessment tools requires a system for continuous training and a well-established referral routine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Ovanger Barrett
- Faculty of Health Sciences - Department of Psychology/Specialist in Clinical Community Psychology, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Municipality of Tromsø, Norway
| | - Hilde Laholt
- Faculty of Health Sciences - Department of Health and Care Sciences, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Municipality of Tromsø, Norway
| | - Geir Fagerjord Lorem
- Faculty of Health Sciences - Department of Psychology, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Municipality of Tromsø, Norway
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Smythe T, Scherer N, Nanyunja C, Tann CJ, Olusanya BO. Strategies for addressing the needs of children with or at risk of developmental disabilities in early childhood by 2030: a systematic umbrella review. BMC Med 2024; 22:51. [PMID: 38302917 PMCID: PMC10835858 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03265-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are over 53million children worldwide under five with developmental disabilities who require effective interventions to support their health and well-being. However, challenges in delivering interventions persist due to various barriers, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries. METHODS We conducted a global systematic umbrella review to assess the evidence on prevention, early detection and rehabilitation interventions for child functioning outcomes related to developmental disabilities in children under 5 years. We focused on prevalent disabilities worldwide and identified evidence-based interventions. We searched Medline, Embase, PsychINFO, and Cochrane Library for relevant literature from 1st January 2013 to 14th April 2023. A narrative synthesis approach was used to summarise the findings of the included meta-analyses. The results were presented descriptively, including study characteristics, interventions assessed, and outcomes reported. Further, as part of a secondary analysis, we presented the global prevalence of each disability in 2019 from the Global Burden of Disease study, identified the regions with the highest burden and the top ten affected countries. This study is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42023420099. RESULTS We included 18 reviews from 883 citations, which included 1,273,444 children under five with or at risk of developmental disabilities from 251 studies across 30 countries. The conditions with adequate data were cerebral palsy, hearing loss, cognitive impairment, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. ASD was the most prevalent target disability (n = 8 reviews, 44%). Most reviews (n = 12, 67%) evaluated early interventions to support behavioural functioning and motor impairment. Only 33% (n = 10/30) of studies in the reviews were from middle-income countries, with no studies from low-income countries. Regarding quality, half of reviews were scored as high confidence (n = 9/18, 50%), seven as moderate (39%) and two (11%) as low. CONCLUSIONS We identified geographical and disability-related inequities. There is a lack of evidence from outside high-income settings. The study underscores gaps in evidence concerning prevention, identification and intervention, revealing a stark mismatch between the available evidence base and the regions experiencing the highest prevalence rates of developmental disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey Smythe
- International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Division of Physiotherapy, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Nathaniel Scherer
- International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Carol Nanyunja
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Infectious Disease On Epidemiology & International Health, School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Cally J Tann
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Infectious Disease On Epidemiology & International Health, School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Neonatal Medicine, University College London NHS Trust, London, UK
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Sommer M, Glaser B, Soldini E, Weber P, Ramelli GP. Age at initial diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders: a retrospective comparison of screening techniques between the southern and northwestern regions of Switzerland. Swiss Med Wkly 2023; 153:40131. [PMID: 38037847 DOI: 10.57187/smw.2023.40131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) offers the possibility of early intervention and, in turn, gains in adaptive behaviour, language and cognition. The aim of the present study was to analyse whether age at diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders decreased in two regions of Switzerland from 2006 to 2016 following the implementation of different screening and referral techniques. In southern Switzerland, systematic paediatric screening using the Modified Checklist for Autism (M-CHAT) in toddlers was implemented in 2013, whereas in northwestern Switzerland, periodic trainings were used to increase paediatrician awareness of ASD. We investigated which method was associated with a younger average age at diagnosis. METHODS We conducted a retrospective, two-centre study searching clinical records of children and adolescents (aged 0-16 years) diagnosed with ASD in two neuropaediatric departments at Swiss hospitals between January 2006 and December 2016. All patients were diagnosed via a standardised evaluation based on two approved diagnostic tests: the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition (ADOS-2) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R). RESULTS In southern Switzerland, training and subsequent widespread use of the M-CHAT among paediatricians appeared to contribute to a significantly younger age at diagnosis. Age at diagnosis did not significantly decrease during the same period in northwestern Switzerland. CONCLUSION Our results point to the possibility of successfully reducing age at diagnosis in specific geographic areas through the implementation of screening questionnaires, such as the M-CHAT, at year 2 well-baby visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Sommer
- Department of Paediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, University of Basel, Children's Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bronwyn Glaser
- Neuropediatrics Unit, Paediatric Institute of Southern Switzerland, EOC, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Emiliano Soldini
- Competence Centre for Healthcare Practices and Policies, Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, Manno, Switzerland
| | - Peter Weber
- Department of Paediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, University of Basel, Children's Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gian Paolo Ramelli
- Neuropediatrics Unit, Paediatric Institute of Southern Switzerland, EOC, Bellinzona, Switzerland
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Rah SS, Jung M, Lee K, Kang H, Jang S, Park J, Yoon JY, Hong SB. Systematic Review and Meta-analysis: Real-World Accuracy of Children's Developmental Screening Tests. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 62:1095-1109. [PMID: 36592715 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2022.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This review presents a list of developmental screening tests used in clinical settings worldwide and provides a broad estimate of their accuracy (PROSPERO: CRD42021236474). METHOD Following the PRISMA Diagnostic Test Accuracy (DTA) guidelines, this review involved searching PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Google Scholar (for manual searching). Inclusion criteria included studies published in English through 2020 that compared the accuracy of developmental screening tests against developmental diagnostic tests among children under 13 years of age. Six researchers, in pairs, independently selected the studies and extracted the data. A hierarchical model was applied to meta-analyze the diagnostic accuracy of the tests, and meta-regression was used to identify the moderators using R 4.1.3 software. RESULTS The meta-analysis included 56 studies (17 screening tests and 61 outcomes). The most frequently used screening tests were the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ), Denver Developmental Screening Test (DDST), and Parent's Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS). The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.75 (95% CI = 0.69-0.80) and 0.76 (95% CI = 0.71-0.80), and the overall diagnostic accuracy of the total outcomes (area under the curve) was 0.80. High heterogeneity was observed between the included studies with various thresholds of the tests. Participants' developmental concerns at the baseline significantly moderated the accuracy of the screening tests, resulting in double the positive predictive value and prevalence compared to those without the concerns. CONCLUSION We recommend a standardized process of validation studies for diagnostic accuracy, to ensure the effectiveness of developmental screening tests in clinical settings. STUDY PREREGISTRATION INFORMATION Accuracy of Developmental Screening Tools among Children in Real World: a Systematic Review and Meta Analysis; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/; CRD42021236474.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Sil Rah
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Minho Jung
- Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungmin Lee
- Seoul National University College of Nursing, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hannah Kang
- Seoul National University College of Nursing, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyoung Jang
- Center for Human-Caring Nurse Leaders for the Future by Brain Korea 21 (BK 21) Four Project, Seoul National University College of Nursing, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Junghyun Park
- Seoul National University College of Nursing, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju Young Yoon
- Research Institute of Nursing Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon-Beom Hong
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Institute of Human Behavioral Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Barger B, Salmon A, Moore Q. Medical Home, Developmental Monitoring/Screening, and Early Autism Identification. J Autism Dev Disord 2023:10.1007/s10803-023-06044-0. [PMID: 37477840 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06044-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Developmental monitoring/screening predict early identified autism spectrum disorders (ASD), but studies have not yet robustly controlled for a key health care service impacting early identification: medical home. National Surveys of Children's Health (NSCH; 2016-2020) were used to determine the relationship between medical home, developmental monitoring/screening, and identified ASD. NSCH overall medical home variable had a minimal relationship with ASD (under 5 years of age, under 5 identified in last year, under 5 identified over a year prior). Usual source of care was positively, and care coordination negatively, associated with ASD identified in last year, suggesting the overall medical home variable may mask variance from subscales. Research is needed to determine how medical home relates to identification in applied settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Barger
- Center for Leadership in Disability, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, 75 Piedmont Rd., Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA.
- Population Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA.
| | - Ashley Salmon
- Center for Leadership in Disability, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, 75 Piedmont Rd., Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Quentin Moore
- Center for Leadership in Disability, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, 75 Piedmont Rd., Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
- Population Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA
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Wieckowski AT, Williams LN, Rando J, Lyall K, Robins DL. Sensitivity and Specificity of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (Original and Revised): A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Pediatr 2023; 177:373-383. [PMID: 36804771 PMCID: PMC9941975 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.5975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Importance The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) and the M-CHAT, Revised With Follow-up (M-CHAT-R/F)-henceforth referred to as M-CHAT(-R/F)-are the most commonly used toddler screeners for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Their use often differs from that in the original validation studies, resulting in a range of estimates of sensitivity and specificity. Also, given the variability in reports of the clinical utility of the M-CHAT(-R/F), researchers and practitioners lack guidance to inform autism screening protocols. Objective To synthesize variability in sensitivity and specificity of M-CHAT(-R/F) across multiple factors, including procedures for identifying missed cases, likelihood level, screening age, and single compared with repeated screenings. Data Sources A literature search was conducted with PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus to identify studies published between January 1, 2001, and August 31, 2022. Study Selection Articles were included if the studies used the M-CHAT(-R/F) (ie, original or revised version) to identify new ASD cases, were published in English-language peer-reviewed journals, included at least 10 ASD cases, reported procedures for false-negative case identification, screened children by 48 months, and included information (or had information provided by authors when contacted) needed to conduct the meta-analysis. Data Extraction and Synthesis The systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted within the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool evaluated bias in sample selection. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed by 2 authors independently. The overall diagnostic accuracy of the M-CHAT(-R/F) was assessed with the hierarchic summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) model. Main Outcomes and Measures Sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratios, and HSROC curves of M-CHAT(-R/F). Results The review included 50 studies with 51 samples. The pooled sensitivity of M-CHAT(-R/F) was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.77-0.88), and the pooled specificity was 0.94 (95% CI, 0.89-0.97). Heterogeneity analyses revealed greater diagnostic accuracy for low- vs high-likelihood samples, a concurrent vs prospective case confirmation strategy, a large vs small sample size, use of M-CHAT(-R/F) Follow-up, and non-English vs English only. Conclusions and Relevance Overall, results of this study suggest the utility of the M-CHAT(-R/F) as an ASD screener. The wide variability in psychometric properties of M-CHAT(-R/F) highlights differences in screener use that should be considered in research and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lashae N. Williams
- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Juliette Rando
- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Kristen Lyall
- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Diana L. Robins
- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Tagavi DM, Dick CC, Attar SM, Ibanez LV, Stone WL. The implementation of the screening tool for autism in toddlers in Part C early intervention programs: An 18-month follow-up. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2023; 27:173-187. [PMID: 35403446 PMCID: PMC9550885 DOI: 10.1177/13623613221086329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT The early detection of autism spectrum disorder can lead to access to autism spectrum disorder-specific services that have been shown to have a large impact on a child's overall development. Although a stable diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder can be made by age 2 years, most children are not diagnosed until much later. To address this issue, this study examined the effectiveness of training Part C Early Intervention providers to use an interactive autism spectrum disorder screening tool, the Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers. Sixty-nine providers attended a 1-day training workshop on the use of the Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers. After the workshop, providers reported increased knowledge about recognizing the early signs of autism spectrum disorder, and about 45% of the providers reported using the Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers with families in their caseloads 18 months after the training. These results suggest that the Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers is feasible for use within Early Intervention settings. In addition, they suggest that specific providers might serve as a screening "point-person," rather than expecting the Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers to be used by all providers. Future research should aim to identify specific characteristics of agencies or providers that might be best suited for using the Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers.
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Balancing Fidelity and Flexibility: Usual Care for Young Children With an Increased Likelihood of Having Autism Spectrum Disorder Within an Early Intervention System. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:656-668. [PMID: 33484371 PMCID: PMC7825383 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-04882-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions (NDBIs) are evidence-based interventions for young children with autism spectrum disorder. There has been growing interest in implementing manualized NDBIs within the early intervention (EI) system without a clear understanding of how these programs and the broader strategies encompassed within them are already used by EI providers. This study examined the use of manualized NDBI programs and broader NDBI strategies within an EI system and factors that impacted their use. Eighty-eight EI providers completed a measure of NDBI program and strategy use. Thirty-three providers participated in a supplemental focus group or interview. Overall, providers described using broader NDBI strategies and the need to adapt manualized NDBI programs. Provider-, intervention-, and organization-level factors impacted their use of NDBI programs and strategies.
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Sobieski M, Sobieska A, Sekułowicz M, Bujnowska-Fedak MM. Tools for early screening of autism spectrum disorders in primary health care – a scoping review. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2022; 23:46. [PMID: 35291950 PMCID: PMC8925080 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-022-01645-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that manifests itself in early childhood. Early diagnosis of these disorders allows for the initiation of early therapy, which is crucial for the child's further functioning in society.
Objectives
This review aims to gather and present the existing ASD screening tools that can be used in primary care and adapted to different countries conditions linguistically and culturally.
Eligibility criteria
We searched for English-language publications on ASD screening tools for children aged 0–3 years suitable for use in primary care (i.e. free, requiring no additional training or qualifications).
Sources of evidence
Four databases were explored to find English studies on ASD screening tools intended for the rapid assessment of children aged 0–3.
Charting methods
The information sought (specific features of the questionnaires relevant to primary health care workers, psychometric and diagnostic values of a given cultural adaptation of screening tools, and the linguistic and cultural changes made) were extracted and collected to create profiles of these tools.
Results
We found 81 studies which met inclusion criteria and underwent full data extraction. Three additional data sources were included. These allowed to create 75 profiles of adaptations for 26 different screening tools and collect data on their psychometric values and characteristic features.
Conclusions
The results of our study indicate the availability of several diagnostic tools for early ASD screening in primary care setting concordant culturally and linguistically with a given population. They could be an effective method of accelerating the diagnostic process and starting personalized therapy faster. However, most tools have significant limitations – some are only available for research purposes, while others do not have scientific evidence to prove their effectiveness.
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12
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Hofer J, Tillmann J, Salzmann J, Bölte S, Fellinger J, Holzinger D. Screening for autism spectrum disorder in deaf adults with intellectual disability: Feasibility and accuracy of two autism screening instruments. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2022; 122:104167. [PMID: 34998116 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.104167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a lack of autism screening instruments for deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) adults with intellectual disability. AIMS This study examined the diagnostic validity of the Pervasive Developmental Disorder in Mental Retardation Scale and the Diagnostic Behavioral Assessment for autism spectrum disorder - Revised in this rare population. METHODS AND PARTICIPANTS 56 DHH adults with intellectual disability living in three specialized therapeutic communities were examined, 9 of whom met criteria for autism. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS With minimal adaptions regarding item interpretation, both tools showed good diagnostic and high convergent validity. Items probing for difficulties in reciprocal social interaction and restricted interests were discriminant between individuals with and without autism. CONCLUSION These data suggest that both autism screening tools are feasible and psychometrically sound when used with appropriate adaptations for DHH adults with intellectual disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Hofer
- Research Institute for Developmental Medicine, Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria; Institute of Neurology of Language and Senses, Hospital of St. John of God, Linz, Austria; Department of Pediatrics I, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - J Tillmann
- Research Institute for Developmental Medicine, Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria
| | - J Salzmann
- Institute of Neurology of Language and Senses, Hospital of St. John of God, Linz, Austria
| | - S Bölte
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute & Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden; Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden; Curtin Autism Research Group, Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - J Fellinger
- Research Institute for Developmental Medicine, Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria; Institute of Neurology of Language and Senses, Hospital of St. John of God, Linz, Austria; Division of Social Psychiatry, University Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - D Holzinger
- Research Institute for Developmental Medicine, Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria; Institute of Neurology of Language and Senses, Hospital of St. John of God, Linz, Austria; Institute of Linguistics, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
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Coulter KL, Barton ML, Boorstein H, Cordeaux C, Dumont-Mathieu T, Haisley L, Herlihy L, Jashar DT, Robins DL, Stone WL, Fein DA. The Toddler Autism Symptom Inventory: Use in diagnostic evaluations of toddlers. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2021; 25:2386-2399. [PMID: 34128412 PMCID: PMC8446300 DOI: 10.1177/13623613211021699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Determining whether a young child has an autism spectrum disorder requires direct observation of the child and caregiver report of the child's everyday behaviors. There are few interviews for parents that are specifically designed for children under 3 years of age. The Toddler Autism Symptom Inventory is a new interview that asks caregivers of children age 12-36 months about symptoms of possible autism spectrum disorder. The Toddler Autism Symptom Inventory uses a cutoff score to indicate likelihood for autism spectrum disorder; this cutoff score appears to accurately identify most children who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder without identifying too many who do not have autism spectrum disorder. The Toddler Autism Symptom Inventory interview can help clinicians to determine whether a young child shows symptoms suggestive of an autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Cara Cordeaux
- Massachusetts General Brigham Psychology Assessment Center, USA
| | | | - Lauren Haisley
- University of Colorado Aurora, USA
- Children's Hospital Colorado, USA
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14
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Abstract
This article describes the current understanding of the identification, classification, and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as it relates to the practice of primary care providers. In addition, the most updated information regarding risk factors, as well as effective treatment strategies are provided. Although primary care providers are not typically the experts in ASD treatment, they constitute a critical component of the care team responsible for early identification and intervention initiation for patients with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Iles
- 215 Central Avenue Suite 100, Louisville, KY 40208, USA.
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15
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Long M, Register-Brown K. Autism Spectrum Disorder. Pediatr Rev 2021; 42:360-374. [PMID: 34210755 DOI: 10.1542/pir.2020-000547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kelly Register-Brown
- Division of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Sciences, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
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16
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McNally Keehn R, Tang Q, Swigonski N, Ciccarelli M. Associations Among Referral Concerns, Screening Results, and Diagnostic Outcomes of Young Children Assessed in a Statewide Early Autism Evaluation Network. J Pediatr 2021; 233:74-81.e8. [PMID: 33662343 PMCID: PMC10709988 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2021.02.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine associations between referral concerns, screening results, and diagnostic outcomes for young children evaluated across a statewide primary care network for early screening and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). STUDY DESIGN The Early Autism Evaluation Hub system was developed to increase developmental screening and improve access to timely ASD evaluations in local communities. In 2019, 858 children (ages 18-48 months; 40% diagnosed with ASD) received ASD evaluations across 12 Early Autism Evaluation Hubs. Data on primary care provider (PCP)- and caregiver-reported referral concerns, Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-Up (MCHAT-R/F) and Ages and Stages Questionnaire, Third Edition (ASQ-3), and diagnostic outcome were collected. RESULTS Among children evaluated, there was low concordance between PCP and caregiver referral concern. Although a positive MCHAT-R/F screen was associated with PCP but not caregiver-reported ASD referral concern, there was a significant linear relationship between MCHAT-R/F raw scores and both PCP and caregiver ASD referral concern. A different pattern of ASQ-3 delays was found to be associated with PCP-reported as compared with caregiver-reported ASD referral concern. Finally, PCP-reported ASD referral concern, positive MCHAT-R/F, and ASQ-3 Communication and Personal Social delays were associated with a significantly higher likelihood of subsequent ASD diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Understanding how community PCPs use surveillance and screening data, the extent to which PCPs and caregivers have shared understanding and engage in collaborative decision-making about evaluation referral, and how these factors relate to diagnostic outcomes has the potential to impact educational efforts for both PCPs and caregivers of young children, as well as inform the development of more efficacious early identification approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qing Tang
- Department of Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN; Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Nancy Swigonski
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN; Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Mary Ciccarelli
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
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17
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McClure LA, Lee NL, Sand K, Vivanti G, Fein D, Stahmer A, Robins DL. Connecting the Dots: a cluster-randomized clinical trial integrating standardized autism spectrum disorders screening, high-quality treatment, and long-term outcomes. Trials 2021; 22:319. [PMID: 33934719 PMCID: PMC8091523 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05286-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects one in 54 children in the United States of America, and supporting people with ASD across the lifespan presents challenges that impact individuals, families, and communities and can be quite costly. The American Academy of Pediatrics has issued recommendations for routine ASD screening at 18 and 24 months, but some research suggests that few pediatricians perform high-fidelity, standardized screening universally. Furthermore, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) found insufficient evidence to recommend for or against universal ASD screening. The objective of this study is to test the hypothesis that children with ASD who have high fidelity; standardized screening will achieve superior outcomes at 5 years of age compared to children receiving usual care ASD detection strategies. METHODS This is a cluster-randomized, controlled clinical trial in 3 sites in the USA. Pediatric practices will be randomized to implement universal, standardized, high-fidelity toddler screening or usual care, with randomization stratified by the practice size. The study will enroll 3450 children, approximately half in each group. From this sample, we anticipate 100 children to be diagnosed with ASD. Children in both groups receiving an ASD diagnosis will be administered the Early Start Denver Model, an evidence-based early intervention addressing social, communication, and cognitive functioning. Treatment will last for 1 year, with up to 20 h per week of therapy for children with ASD. RESULTS Primary outcomes measured at baseline, following treatment, and at 4 and 5 years of age include ASD symptom severity (Brief Observation of Social Communication Change (BOSCC)) and cognitive functioning (Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL) and Differential Abilities Scale-II (DAS-II)). Secondary outcomes in children include measures of adaptive functioning, ASD symptoms, and kindergarten readiness; secondary analyses will also examine stress and empowerment among parents. Several novel exploratory measures will be included as well. The study will utilize a modified intention-to-treat analysis. CONCLUSIONS This trial will evaluate the impact of universal, standardized, high-fidelity screening for ASD among children at 18 months of age, with a goal of providing evidence to support this strategy to detect ASD in toddlers in order to start treatment as young as possible and maximize outcomes. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at Drexel University (IRB protocol: 1607004653). All findings will be provided by the principal investigator via email; data will be available through the NIMH Data Archive ( https://nda.nih.gov/ ). TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03333629 . Registered on November 7, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nora L. Lee
- Drexel University, 3215 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Katherine Sand
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, 3020 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Giacomo Vivanti
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, 3020 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Deborah Fein
- University of Connecticut, 406 Babbidge Rd, Storrs, CT 06268 USA
| | - Aubyn Stahmer
- University of California, Davis, 2825 50th St, Sacramento, CA 95819 USA
| | - Diana L. Robins
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, 3020 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
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18
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Are Developmental Monitoring and Screening Better Together for Early Autism Identification Across Race and Ethnic Groups? J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:203-218. [PMID: 33666797 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-04943-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
National Surveys of Children's Health (NSCH, 2016-2018) data were analyzed to determine if conjoint monitoring and screening showed stronger associations with children under 5 identified with ASD compared to monitoring alone, screening alone or no monitoring or screening; and investigate relationships between monitoring and screening across racial/ethnic subgroups. 86 of 332 children with ASD received their diagnosis in a timeframe suggesting potential monitoring and screening for identification purposes. Analyses showed that conjoint monitoring and screening and monitoring alone, but not screening alone, was associated with early identified ASD cases across race groups. Caution is warranted as interpreting NSCH monitoring and screening items solely for identification purposes is inaccurate in many cases. More research on monitoring with screening is needed.
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19
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Øien RA, Vivanti G, Robins DL. Editorial S.I: Early Identification in Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Present and Future, and Advances in Early Identification. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 51:763-768. [PMID: 33483912 PMCID: PMC7954717 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04860-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Early identification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is considered by most scholars and clinicians to be a feasible and useful step for improving the wellbeing of individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Arguments supporting early detection efforts include the benefit of earlier access to services providing autism-specific evidence-based interventions (Vivanti et al., Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46(7), 2441-2449, 2016; Zwaigenbaum et al., Pediatrics, 136(Suppl), S10-S40, 2015), and its potential to mitigate or even prevent the challenges associated with ASD symptoms, reduce care costs, and improve the quality of life and productivity of individuals with ASD (Constantino et al., Pediatrics, 146(3), e20193629, 2020; Jacobson et al., Behavioral Interventions, 13(4), 201-226, 1998; Jacobson and Mulick, Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 30(6), 585-593, 2000). Nevertheless, controversies and challenges in this field exist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roald A Øien
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Department of Education, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
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20
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Hatch B, Iosif AM, Chuang A, de la Paz L, Ozonoff S, Miller M. Longitudinal Differences in Response to Name Among Infants Developing ASD and Risk for ADHD. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 51:827-836. [PMID: 31974800 PMCID: PMC7375942 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04369-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Diminished response to name, a potential early marker of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), may also indicate risk for other disorders characterized by attention problems, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Using a familial risk design, we examined whether response to name ability at 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months of age differed between three 36-month outcome groups: ASD, ADHD Concerns, or a Comparison group. Persistent differences between the ASD and Comparison groups were evident beginning at 12 months; differences between the ADHD Concerns and Comparison groups were evident between 12 and 18 months only. Results suggest that response to name may be a general marker for ASD and ADHD risk in infancy but a specific indicator of ASD by 24-months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burt Hatch
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science, MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA.
| | - Ana-Maria Iosif
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Annie Chuang
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science, MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Leiana de la Paz
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science, MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Sally Ozonoff
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science, MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Meghan Miller
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science, MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
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21
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The Criterion Validity of the First Year Inventory and the Quantitative-CHecklist for Autism in Toddlers: A Longitudinal Study. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10100729. [PMID: 33066155 PMCID: PMC7601960 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10100729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric surveillance through screening procedures is needed to detect warning signs of risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder under 24 months of age and to promote early diagnosis and treatment. The main purpose of this study is to extend the literature regarding the psychometric properties of two screening tools, the First Year Inventory (FYI) and the Quantitative-CHecklist for Autism in Toddler (Q-CHAT), testing their criterion validity. They were administered during a three-wave approach involving the general population. At T1, 657 children were tested with the FYI and 36 of them were found to be at risk. At T2, 545 were tested with the Q-CHAT and 29 of them were found to be at risk. At T3, 12 out of the 36 children with a high score on the FYI and 11 out of the 29 children with a high score on the Q-CHAT were compared to 15 typically developing children. The criterion validity was tested considering the severity of the autistic symptoms, emotional/behavioral problems, and limited global functioning as criteria. Accuracy parameters were also calculated. Furthermore, we investigated which dimension of each questionnaire better predicted the aforementioned criterion. The results corroborated the hypotheses and confirmed the criterion validity of FYI and Q-CHAT.
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22
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Adalarasu K, Jagannath M, James O. Assessment of Techniques for Teaching School Children with Autism. Ing Rech Biomed 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.irbm.2019.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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23
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Levy SE, Wolfe A, Coury D, Duby J, Farmer J, Schor E, Van Cleave J, Warren Z. Screening Tools for Autism Spectrum Disorder in Primary Care: A Systematic Evidence Review. Pediatrics 2020; 145:S47-S59. [PMID: 32238531 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2019-1895h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Recommendations conflict regarding universal application of formal screening instruments in primary care (PC) and PC-like settings for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). OBJECTIVES We systematically reviewed evidence for universal screening of children for ASD in PC. DATA SOURCES We searched Medline, PsychInfo, Educational Resources Informational Clearinghouse, and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature. STUDY SELECTION We included studies in which researchers report psychometric properties of screening tools in unselected populations across PC and PC-like settings. DATA EXTRACTION At least 2 authors reviewed each study, extracted data, checked accuracy, and assigned quality ratings using predefined criteria. RESULTS We found evidence for moderate to high positive predictive values for ASD screening tools to identify children aged 16 to 40 months and 1 study for ≥48 months in PC and PC-like settings. Limited evidence evaluating sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value of instruments was available. No studies directly evaluated the impact of screening on treatment or harm. LIMITATIONS Potential limitations include publication bias, selective reporting within studies, and a constrained search. CONCLUSIONS ASD screening tools can be used to accurately identify percentages of unselected populations of young children for ASD in PC and PC-like settings. The scope of challenges associated with establishing direct linkage suggests that clinical and policy groups will likely continue to guide screening practices. ASD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder associated with significant life span costs.1,2 Growing evidence supports functional gains and improved outcomes for young children receiving intensive intervention, so early identification on a population level is a pressing public health challenge.3,4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan E Levy
- Center for Autism Research, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Audrey Wolfe
- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Daniel Coury
- Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health and Autism Treatment Network, MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital and School of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - John Duby
- Department of Pediatrics, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio
| | - Justin Farmer
- Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health and Autism Treatment Network, MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Edward Schor
- Lucille Packard Foundation for Children's Health, Palo Alto, California
| | - Jeanne Van Cleave
- General Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Colorado and University of Colorado Anshutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado; and
| | - Zachary Warren
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Departments of Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Special Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
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24
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Please, Don't Shoot the Meta-analysis: A Response to "A Commentary to Toddler Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-analysis of Diagnostic Accuracy by Sánchez-Garcia et al. 2019". J Autism Dev Disord 2020; 50:4218-4220. [PMID: 32215819 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04462-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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25
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Petrocchi S, Levante A, Lecciso F. Systematic Review of Level 1 and Level 2 Screening Tools for Autism Spectrum Disorders in Toddlers. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10030180. [PMID: 32204563 PMCID: PMC7139816 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10030180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study provides a systematic review of level 1 and level 2 screening tools for the early detection of autism under 24 months of age and an evaluation of the psychometric and measurement properties of their studies. Methods: Seven databases (e.g., Scopus, EBSCOhost Research Database) were screened and experts in the autism spectrum disorders (ASD) field were questioned; Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and Consensus-based Standard for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklist were applied. Results: the study included 52 papers and 16 measures; most of them were questionnaires, and the Modified-CHecklist for Autism in Toddler (M-CHAT) was the most extensively tested. The measures' strengths (analytical evaluation of methodological quality according to COSMIN) and limitations (in term of Negative Predictive Value, Positive Predictive Value, sensitivity, and specificity) were described; the quality of the studies, assessed with the application of the COSMIN checklist, highlighted the necessity of further validation studies for all the measures. According to COSMIN results, the M-CHAT, First Years Inventory (FYI), and Quantitative-CHecklist for Autism in Toddler (Q-CHAT) seem to be promising measures that may be applied systematically by health professionals in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Petrocchi
- Institute of Communication and Health, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Via Buffi 13, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
- Lab of Applied Psychology and Intervention, Department of History, Society and Human Studies, University of Salento, Via di Valesio, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (A.L.); (F.L.)
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IRCCS European Institute of Oncology, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milano, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Annalisa Levante
- Lab of Applied Psychology and Intervention, Department of History, Society and Human Studies, University of Salento, Via di Valesio, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (A.L.); (F.L.)
- Department of History, Society and Human Studies, University of Salento, Via di Valesio, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Flavia Lecciso
- Lab of Applied Psychology and Intervention, Department of History, Society and Human Studies, University of Salento, Via di Valesio, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (A.L.); (F.L.)
- Department of History, Society and Human Studies, University of Salento, Via di Valesio, 73100 Lecce, Italy
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Multi-stage Screening in Early Intervention: A Critical Strategy for Improving ASD Identification and Addressing Disparities. J Autism Dev Disord 2020; 51:868-883. [PMID: 32144605 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04429-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Health disparities in ASD detection affect children's access to subsequent interventions. We examined potential disparities in implementation of a multi-stage ASD screening and diagnostic evaluation protocol in Part C Early Intervention with 4943 children ages 14-36 months (mean 22.0 months; 62.9% boys, 73.3% children of color, 34.9% non-English-primary language, 64.5% publicly-insured). Participation and follow-through were high (64.9% and 65.3% at first- and second-stage screening, respectively, 84.6% at diagnostic evaluation). Logistic regressions identified predictors of screening participation and outcomes at each stage; demographic differences (race, language, public insurance) were observed only at first-stage screening and reflected higher participation for children of color and higher positive screens for publicly-insured children. Results suggest the multi-stage screening protocol shows promise in addressing disparities in early diagnosis.
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27
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Chahin SS, Apple RW, Kuo KH, Dickson CA. Autism spectrum disorder: psychological and functional assessment, and behavioral treatment approaches. Transl Pediatr 2020; 9:S66-S75. [PMID: 32206585 PMCID: PMC7082250 DOI: 10.21037/tp.2019.11.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
There have been significant changes in the way Autism has been defined especially in the last decade. The changes encompass criteria over a spectrum rather than individual diagnoses based on clusters of criteria. With these changes, there has been a push for earlier screening and diagnosis to be made to ensure individual impacted by the deficits have ample time and opportunity to receive the services they need. Additionally, with the changes that have come up, screening tools and assessments have also been changed and improved to assist with the increasing demand of early screening. Screeners have been created to help in primary care settings so physicians can gauge the severity of symptoms and refer patients to the appropriate resources. The assessment and diagnostic process for Autism involves a large battery including parental interviews and forms, the ADOS-II, and a multitude of other intellectual assessments to get a full picture of what the individual is experiencing. Once an individual is diagnosed with Autism, the interventionist team, physicians, and clinicians assist the family in finding the appropriate resources and treatment plan. There are several evidence-based therapies that exist that have been effective in improving the quality of life of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnoses. Although several interventions and therapies exist, there are some potential interventions some use that need to more research to know how truly effective they are.
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Affiliation(s)
- Summer S Chahin
- Department of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University, Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, USA
| | - Roger W Apple
- Department of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University, Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, USA
| | - Kailin H Kuo
- Department of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University, Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, USA
| | - Cheryl A Dickson
- Department of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University, Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, USA
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28
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Lord C, Brugha TS, Charman T, Cusack J, Dumas G, Frazier T, Jones EJH, Jones RM, Pickles A, State MW, Taylor JL, Veenstra-VanderWeele J. Autism spectrum disorder. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2020; 6:5. [PMID: 31949163 PMCID: PMC8900942 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-019-0138-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 595] [Impact Index Per Article: 148.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is a construct used to describe individuals with a specific combination of impairments in social communication and repetitive behaviours, highly restricted interests and/or sensory behaviours beginning early in life. The worldwide prevalence of autism is just under 1%, but estimates are higher in high-income countries. Although gross brain pathology is not characteristic of autism, subtle anatomical and functional differences have been observed in post-mortem, neuroimaging and electrophysiological studies. Initially, it was hoped that accurate measurement of behavioural phenotypes would lead to specific genetic subtypes, but genetic findings have mainly applied to heterogeneous groups that are not specific to autism. Psychosocial interventions in children can improve specific behaviours, such as joint attention, language and social engagement, that may affect further development and could reduce symptom severity. However, further research is necessary to identify the long-term needs of people with autism, and treatments and the mechanisms behind them that could result in improved independence and quality of life over time. Families are often the major source of support for people with autism throughout much of life and need to be considered, along with the perspectives of autistic individuals, in both research and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Lord
- Departments of Psychiatry and School of Education, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Traolach S Brugha
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Tony Charman
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Guillaume Dumas
- Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Emily J H Jones
- Centre for Brain & Cognitive Development, University of London, London, UK
| | - Rebecca M Jones
- The Sackler Institute for Developmental Psychobiology, New York, NY, USA
- The Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, White Plains, NY, USA
| | - Andrew Pickles
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Matthew W State
- Department of Psychiatry, Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Julie Lounds Taylor
- Department of Pediatrics and Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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29
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Young GS, Constantino JN, Dvorak S, Belding A, Gangi D, Hill A, Hill M, Miller M, Parikh C, Schwichtenberg AJ, Solis E, Ozonoff S. A video-based measure to identify autism risk in infancy. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2020; 61:88-94. [PMID: 31369150 PMCID: PMC6906221 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Signs of autism are present in the first 2 years of life, but the average age of diagnosis lags far behind. Instruments that improve detection of autism risk in infancy are needed. This study developed and tested the psychometric properties of a novel video-based approach to detecting ASD in infancy. METHODS A prospective longitudinal study of children at elevated or lower risk for autism spectrum disorder was conducted. Participants were 76 infants with an older sibling with ASD and 37 infants with no known family history of autism. The Video-referenced Infant Rating System for Autism (VIRSA) is a web-based application that presents pairs of videos of parents and infants playing together and requires forced-choice judgments of which video is most similar to the child being rated. Parents rated participants on the VIRSA at 6, 9, 12, and 18 months of age. We examined split-half and test-retest reliability; convergent and discriminant validity; and sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive value for concurrent and 36-month ASD diagnoses. RESULTS The VIRSA demonstrated satisfactory reliability and convergent and discriminant validity. VIRSA ratings were significantly lower for children ultimately diagnosed with ASD than children with typical development by 12 months of age. VIRSA scores at 18 months identified all children diagnosed with ASD at that age, as well as 78% of children diagnosed at 36 months. CONCLUSIONS This study represents an initial step in the development of a novel video-based approach to detection of ASD in infancy. The VIRSA's psychometric properties were promising when used by parents with an older affected child, but still must be tested in community samples with no family history of ASD. If results are replicated, then the VIRSA's low-burden, web-based format has the potential to reduce disparities in communities with limited access to screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory S. Young
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, MIND Institute, University of California-Davis
| | - John N. Constantino
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University-St. Louis School of Medicine
| | - Simon Dvorak
- Information and Educational Technology, University of California-Davis
| | - Ashleigh Belding
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, MIND Institute, University of California-Davis
| | - Devon Gangi
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, MIND Institute, University of California-Davis
| | - Alesha Hill
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, MIND Institute, University of California-Davis
| | - Monique Hill
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, MIND Institute, University of California-Davis
| | - Meghan Miller
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, MIND Institute, University of California-Davis
| | - Chandni Parikh
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, MIND Institute, University of California-Davis
| | | | - Erika Solis
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, MIND Institute, University of California-Davis
| | - Sally Ozonoff
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, MIND Institute, University of California-Davis
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Øien RA, Cicchetti DV, Nordahl-Hansen A, Schjølberg S. A Commentary to "Toddler Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-Analysis of Diagnostic Accuracy". J Autism Dev Disord 2019; 50:3440-3441. [PMID: 31522307 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-04226-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Roald A Øien
- Department of Education, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, PB 6050, N-9037, Tromsø, Norway. .,Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Domenic V Cicchetti
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Synnve Schjølberg
- Department of child Health and Development, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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