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Barger B. Epidemiology with psychometric spirit: MoBa leads autism's interdisciplinary future-a commentary on Havdahl et al. (2023). J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024; 65:1115-1118. [PMID: 38102783 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13933] [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: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Havdahl et al.'s (2023) Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) skill loss study stands out for their creative consideration of scale items to gain a better understanding of skill loss/regression. This commentary outlines how the MoBa team continues to challenge the field by conducting "basic" measurement analyses with their public health longitudinal population data. Their creative use of items, validity-oriented analyses, and transparent reporting of item correlations emulates early-stage scale development in psychometric research, and sets the stage for considering how psychometricians and epidemiologists might more directly work with each other to improve early autism identification research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Barger
- Mark Chaffin Center for Healthy Development: Leadership in Disability, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Population Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Loncarevic A, Maybery MT, Barbaro J, Dissanayake C, Green J, Hudry K, Iacono T, Slonims V, Varcin KJ, Wan MW, Wray J, Whitehouse AJO. Parent-Child Interactions May Help to Explain Relations Between Parent Characteristics and Clinically Observed Child Autistic Behaviours. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:2742-2756. [PMID: 37209200 PMCID: PMC11286722 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-05914-x] [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] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The importance of supporting parent-child interactions has been noted in the context of prodromal autism, but little consideration has been given to the possible contributing role of parental characteristics, such as psychological distress. This cross-sectional study tested models in which parent-child interaction variables mediated relations between parent characteristics and child autistic behaviour in a sample of families whose infant demonstrated early signs of autism (N = 103). The findings suggest that associations between parent characteristics (psychological distress; aloofness) and child autistic behaviours may be mediated by the child's inattentiveness or negative affect during interactions. These findings have important implications in developing and implementing interventions in infancy which target the synchrony of parent-child interaction with the goal to support children's social communication development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonina Loncarevic
- CliniKids, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia.
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia.
| | - Murray T Maybery
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Josephine Barbaro
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism, Long Pocket, Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Cheryl Dissanayake
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism, Long Pocket, Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Jonathan Green
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Kristelle Hudry
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism, Long Pocket, Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Teresa Iacono
- Living with Disability Research Centre, College of Science, Health, and Engineering, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vicky Slonims
- Children's Neurosciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Evelina London Children's Hospital, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Kandice J Varcin
- CliniKids, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Ming Wai Wan
- Perinatal Mental Health and Parenting Research Unit, Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - John Wray
- Child and Adolescent Health Service, Child Development Service, West Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Andrew J O Whitehouse
- CliniKids, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism, Long Pocket, Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia
- University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
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Wieckowski AT, Ramsey RK, Coulter K, Eldeeb SY, Algur Y, Ryan V, Stahmer AC, Robins DL. Role of Primary Care Clinician Concern During Screening for Early Identification of Autism. J Dev Behav Pediatr 2024; 45:e187-e194. [PMID: 38564788 PMCID: PMC11192612 DOI: 10.1097/dbp.0000000000001262] [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: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the added value of primary care clinician (PCC)-indicated concern during primary care universal standardized screening in early identification of autism. METHODS Toddlers were screened for autism during primary care checkups (n = 7,039, aged 14.24-22.43 months) in 2 studies. Parents completed the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised, with Follow-Up. For each participant, PCCs indicated whether they had autism concerns (optional in 1 study-before or after viewing screening results, required before viewing screen results in the other). Children at high likelihood for autism from screen result and/or PCC concern (n = 615) were invited for a diagnostic evaluation; 283 children attended the evaluation. RESULTS Rates of PCC-indicated autism concerns were similar whether PCCs were required or encouraged to indicate concerns. High likelihood of autism indication on both screen and PCC concern resulted in the highest positive predictive value for autism and positive predictive value for any developmental disorder, as well as the highest evaluation attendance, with no significant difference between the positive screen-only and PCC concern-only groups. Although the frequency of PCC-indicated autism concern did not differ significantly based on the child's cognitive level, PCCs were more likely to identify children with more obvious autism characteristics compared with more subtle autism characteristics as having autism. CONCLUSION The findings support the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics that both screening and surveillance for autism be incorporated into well-child visits. High likelihood of autism on either screen or PCC concern should trigger a referral for an evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kirsty Coulter
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
| | | | - Yasemin Algur
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Victoria Ryan
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Aubyn C. Stahmer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis MIND Institute, Sacramento, CA
| | - Diana L. Robins
- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
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Gore K, Gilbert M, Hawke M, Barbaro J. Investigating autism knowledge, self-efficacy, and confidence following maternal and child health nurse training for the early identification of autism. Front Neurol 2024; 14:1201292. [PMID: 38264089 PMCID: PMC10803615 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1201292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Early identification of children with a high likelihood of autism can lead to referral for diagnostic services and access to early supports, resulting in improved outcomes for children and families. Maternal and Child Health Nurses (MCHNs) in Victoria, Australia, are well-placed to monitor infants and toddlers for signs of autism, given children and caregivers attend free, regular, well-baby consultations from birth through to school age. This study aimed to identify the impact of personal and workplace factors on MCHNs' competencies of autism knowledge, self-efficacy in identifying autistic infants and toddlers, and confidence in speaking to parents/caregivers about autism. Additionally, the study sought to identify which personal and workplace factors might predict increased competency in these areas. Methods After identifying training needs and current competency levels via a training needs analysis (TNA), 1,428 MCHNs received training on the early signs of autism and in the use of the Social Attention and Communication Surveillance-Revised (SACS-R) tool for early autism identification; the training program was known as Monitoring of Social Attention, Interaction, and Communication (MoSAIC). Results Previous MCHN autism training and knowledge of autism community resources significantly contributed to increased MCHN self-efficacy in identifying autistic infants and toddlers, while knowledge of community resources was the best predictor of confidence in speaking with parents/caregivers about autism. Perceived self-efficacy and confidence in speaking with parents/caregivers about autism significantly increased following the MoSAIC autism training. Discussion Targeted autism training for primary health practitioners is an important first step for early autism identification and initiating conversations with parents/caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Gore
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | - Josephine Barbaro
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
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Hodge A, Sutherland R, Ong N, Chan E, Barnett D, Bennett B, Boulton K, Francis D, Guastella A, Papanicolaou A, Tomsic G, Williamsz M, Silove N. Telehealth assessment of autism in preschoolers using the TELE-ASD-PEDS: A pilot clinical investigation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2023:1-17. [PMID: 38105699 DOI: 10.1080/17549507.2023.2270187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Appropriate early intervention is beneficial but dependent on accurate and timely diagnoses. This has been affected by long waiting lists for face-to-face clinical services, in part due to pandemic lockdowns, with telehealth introduced in many services to continue clinical services. This pilot clinical study investigated the feasibility of integrating a specially-designed telepractice autism assessment tool into a tertiary diagnostic service. METHOD Eighteen boys (2;4-5;1) participated in the study. Assessment was undertaken as per standard practice (parent interview, questionnaires, review of reports), with an additional telepractice assessment, included in place of face-to-face assessment, to provide clinicians with an observation of the children's communication, behaviours, and interests. Ten parents provided feedback via semi-structured interviews. RESULT The TELE-ASD-PEDS was a feasible assessment tool in terms of administration, clinical experience, and information gained through the assessment process. Parents reported mostly positive experiences of the TELE-ASD-PEDS and made suggestions for improvements for future use of this tool. CONCLUSION It is possible to obtain useful information about a child's autism-specific behaviours using the activities in the TELE-ASD-PEDS. This information can be combined with clinical history from parents using the DSM-5 framework to provide a gold standard assessment for autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoinette Hodge
- Child Development Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Australia
| | - Rebecca Sutherland
- Discipline of Speech Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Univeristy of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Natalie Ong
- Child Development Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Australia
- Discipline of Speech Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Univeristy of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- The School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Esther Chan
- Child Development Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Australia
| | - Diana Barnett
- Child Development Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Australia
| | - Beverley Bennett
- Child Development Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Australia
| | - Kelsie Boulton
- Discipline of Speech Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Univeristy of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Deanna Francis
- Child Development Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Australia
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, and
- School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Adam Guastella
- Discipline of Speech Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Univeristy of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Angela Papanicolaou
- Child Development Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Australia
| | - Gail Tomsic
- Child Development Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Australia
| | - Marcia Williamsz
- Child Development Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Australia
| | - Natalie Silove
- Child Development Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Australia
- Discipline of Speech Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Univeristy of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Barbaro J, Winata T, Gilbert M, Nair R, Khan F, Lucien A, Islam R, Masi A, Diaz AM, Dissanayake C, Karlov L, Descallar J, Eastwood J, Hasan I, Jalaludin B, Kohlhoff J, Liaw ST, Lingam R, Ong N, Tam CWM, Woolfenden S, Eapen V. General practitioners' perspectives regarding early developmental surveillance for autism within the australian primary healthcare setting: a qualitative study. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2023; 24:159. [PMID: 37563549 PMCID: PMC10416397 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-023-02121-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Significant challenges remain in the early identification of child developmental disabilities in the community. Implementing supports and services early in the life course has been shown to promote positive developmental outcomes for children at high likelihood of developmental disabilities, including autism. As part of a cluster randomised controlled trial, this study seeks to examine and compare the perspectives and experiences of Australian general practitioners (GPs) in relation to a digital developmental surveillance program for autism and usual care pathway, in general practice clinics. METHODS A qualitative research methodology with semi-structured interviews and thematic inductive analysis underpinned by grounded theory was utilised. All GPs from South Western Sydney (NSW) and Melbourne (Victoria) who participated in the main program ("GP Surveillance for Autism") were invited to the interview. GPs who provided consent were interviewed either over online or in-person meeting. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded using NVivo12 software. Inductive interpretive approach was adopted and data were analysed thematically. RESULTS Twenty-three GPs across the two sites (NSW: n = 11; Victoria: n = 12) agreed to be interviewed; data saturation had reached following this number of participants. Inductive thematic coding and analysis yielded eight major themes and highlighted common enablers such as the role of GPs in early identification and subsequent supports, enhanced communication between clinicians/professionals, relationship-building with patients, and having standardised screening tools. Specific facilitators to the feasibility and acceptability of a digital screening program for the early identification of developmental disabilities, including the early signs of autism, and encouraging research and education for GPs. However, several practical and socioeconomic barriers were identified, in addition to limited knowledge and uptake of child developmental screening tools as well as COVID-19 lockdown impacts. Common and specific recommendations involve supporting GPs in developmental/paediatrics training, streamlined screening process, and funding and resources in the primary healthcare services. CONCLUSIONS The study highlighted the need for practice and policy changes, including further training of GPs alongside sufficient time to complete developmental checks and appropriate financial remuneration through a Medicare billing item. Further research is needed on implementation and scale up of a national surveillance program for early identification of developmental disabilities, including autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Barbaro
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), The University of Queensland, Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia
| | - Teresa Winata
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Academic Unit of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Melissa Gilbert
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), The University of Queensland, Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia
| | - Radhika Nair
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), The University of Queensland, Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia
| | - Feroza Khan
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Abbie Lucien
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Raisa Islam
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Anne Masi
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), The University of Queensland, Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Antonio Mendoza Diaz
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Academic Unit of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Cheryl Dissanayake
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), The University of Queensland, Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia
| | - Lisa Karlov
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Academic Unit of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Joseph Descallar
- Academic Unit of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - John Eastwood
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Women and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Iqbal Hasan
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Bin Jalaludin
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jane Kohlhoff
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Siaw-Teng Liaw
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Raghu Lingam
- Population Child Health Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Natalie Ong
- Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Chun Wah Michael Tam
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Primary and Integrated Care Unit, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Sue Woolfenden
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Women and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Population Child Health Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Valsamma Eapen
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), The University of Queensland, Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia.
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Academic Unit of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia.
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Jayousi S, Martinelli A, Lucattini P, Mucchi L. ICT Framework for Supporting Applied Behavior Analysis in the Social Inclusion of Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:6914. [PMID: 37571692 PMCID: PMC10422576 DOI: 10.3390/s23156914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
The applied behavior analysis (ABA) model emphasizes observable and measurable behaviors by carrying out decision making using experimental data (behavioral observation assessment strategies). In this framework, information and communication technology (ICT) becomes highly suitable for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the methodology. This paper aims to delve into the potential of ICT in providing innovative solutions to support ABA applications. It focuses on how ICT can contribute to fostering social inclusion with respect to children with neurodevelopmental disorders. ICT offers advanced solutions for continuous and context-aware monitoring, as well as automatic real-time behavior assessments. Wireless sensor systems (wearable perceptual, biomedical, motion, location, and environmental sensors) facilitate real-time behavioral monitoring in various contexts, enabling the collection of behavior-related data that may not be readily evident in traditional observational studies. Moreover, the incorporation of artificial intelligence algorithms that are appropriately trained can further assist therapists throughout the different phases of ABA therapy. These algorithms can provide intervention guidelines and deliver an automatic behavioral analysis that is personalized to the child's unique profile. By leveraging the power of ICT, ABA practitioners can benefit from cutting-edge technological advancements to optimize their therapeutic interventions and outcomes for children with neurodevelopmental disorders, ultimately contributing to their social inclusion and overall wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Jayousi
- Department of Information Engineering, Polo Universitario “Città di Prato”, 59100 Prato, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Lucattini
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, 00135 Rome, Italy;
| | - Lorenzo Mucchi
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy;
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Gilbert M, Gore K, Hawke M, Barbaro J. Development, delivery, and evaluation of a training program for the early identification of autism: Monitoring of Social Attention, Interaction, and Communication. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1201265. [PMID: 37483439 PMCID: PMC10361691 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1201265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Early identification of Autistic children is an important precursor to diagnosis, and access to supports and services. Here we describe the training of the maternal and child health (MCH) workforce in the state of Victoria, Australia in the early identification of infants and toddlers with a high likelihood of autism. Methods In 2019, 1,428 MCH nurses completed early autism training held at venues across the state, with an additional 82 nurses completing online-only training. A training needs analysis enabled the research team to determine the workforce's current skill and knowledge levels, and to identify knowledge gaps, training needs and workplace barriers. The professional development program, known as Monitoring of Social Attention, Interaction, and Communication (MoSAIC), comprised: online pre-workshop modules; a face-to-face instructor-led workshop, which included the use of the Social Attention and Communication-Revised (SACS-R) tool; and online post-workshop modules, which included a recording of a face-to-face workshop with all accompanying resources. This was the first time that the MCH workforce received this training package. Attendees were asked to complete a training satisfaction survey immediately following the face-to-face instructor-led workshop and a follow-up survey regarding their autism knowledge and SACS-R implementation 4-6 weeks after the workshop. Results Over 90% (n = 325) of MCH nurses who completed the training satisfaction survey agreed or strongly agreed with statements that the training was clear and of high quality. Most nurses also reported that the training was well-presented and that they would recommend it to a colleague. In the 6 months following the training, a total of 82,581 SACS-R assessments were conducted by the MCH workforce, reflecting that MCH nurses had successfully integrated SACS-R assessments into their work practice after receiving the early autism identification training. Discussion This study demonstrated that training on the early identification of autism can be successfully designed, customized, and delivered to a large primary healthcare workforce for universal developmental surveillance of autism.
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Soleymani Z, Koegel LK, Mohammadzaheri F, Peyghambari M, Bajalan M, Naderi Malek A, Bakhshi E. Development and validation of the Autism Communicative Skills Questionnaire (ACSQ): An autism screening measure in Farsi. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. CHILD 2023; 12:245-256. [PMID: 35785791 DOI: 10.1080/21622965.2022.2092738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
There has been a steady increase in the number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) worldwide. However, screening tools that focus primarily on communicative development that are culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate are needed, particularly in languages, such as Farsi, which is spoken in countries that may benefit from additional resources. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop and validate a screening tool, written in Farsi by Iranians, that focuses on communication and factors affecting the development of communication for children with autism. A variety of statistical analyses were conducted and implemented to assess the relevance of various questions related to communication, along with other behaviors that interfere with the development of communication, that may distinguish between children with and without ASD. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to examine the underlying structure of the Autism Communicative Skills Questionnaire (ACSQ). This study represents the first stage in the development of a comprehensive questionnaire to assist with the screening of areas that impact the development of social communication and are unique to ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Soleymani
- Department of Speech Therapy, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Lynn Kern Koegel
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Fereshteh Mohammadzaheri
- Department of Speech Therapy, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Peyghambari
- Department of Speech Therapy, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohadese Bajalan
- Department of Speech Therapy, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Naderi Malek
- Department of Speech Therapy, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Enayatollah Bakhshi
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Benfer K, Boyd RN, Roe Y, Fagan R, Luke C, Mick-Ramsamy L, Whittingham K, Novak I, Bosanquet M, McNamara L, Khandaker G, Fogarty L, Cadet-James Y, Ruben A, Comans T, Smith A, Ware RS. Study protocol: peer delivered early intervention (Learning through Everyday Activities with Parents for Infants at risk of Cerebral Palsy: LEAP-CP) for First Nation Australian infants at high risk of cerebral palsy - an RCT study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e059531. [PMID: 36914182 PMCID: PMC10016288 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059531] [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] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common childhood physical disability with rates approximately 50% higher in First Nations Australian children. This study aims to evaluate a culturally-adapted parent-delivered early intervention programme for First Nations Australian infants at high risk of CP (Learning through Everyday Activities with Parents for infants with CP; LEAP-CP). METHODS AND ANALYSIS This study is a randomised assessor masked controlled trial. Infants with birth/postnatal risk factors will be eligible for screening. Infants at high risk of CP ('absent fidgety' on General Movements Assessment, and/or 'suboptimal score' on the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination) aged 12-52 weeks corrected age will be recruited. Infants and their caregivers will be randomised to receive LEAP-CP (intervention) or health advice (comparator). LEAP-CP is a culturally-adapted programme of 30 home visits delivered by a peer trainer (First Nations Community Health Worker); and includes goal-directed active motor/cognitive strategies, CP learning games and caregiver educational modules. The control arm receives a monthly health advice visit, based on the Key Family Practices, WHO. All infants continue to receive standard (mainstream) Care as Usual. Dual child primary outcomes are Peabody Developmental Motor Scales-2 (PDMS-2) and Bayley Scales of Infant Development-III. The primary caregiver outcome is the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale. Secondary outcomes include function, goal attainment, vision, nutritional status and emotional availability. SAMPLE SIZE total of 86 children (43/group) will enable an effect size of 0.65 on the PDMS-2 to be detected (80% power, α=0.05; 10% attrition). ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval through Queensland ethics committees and Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Organisation Research Governance Groups, with families providing written informed consent. Findings will be disseminated with guidance from the Participatory Action Research, in collaboration with First Nations communities; peer-reviewed journal publications and national/international conference presentations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ACTRN12619000969167p.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Benfer
- Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Roslyn N Boyd
- Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Yvette Roe
- College of Nursing and Midwifery, Charles Darwin University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ruth Fagan
- Research, Gurriny Yealamucka Health Service, Yarrabah, Queensland, Australia
| | - Carly Luke
- Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Leeann Mick-Ramsamy
- Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Koa Whittingham
- Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Iona Novak
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Margot Bosanquet
- Department of Health and Wellbeing, Townsville Hospital and Health Service, Queensland Health, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lynda McNamara
- Physiotherapy Department, Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, Queensland Health, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Gulam Khandaker
- Public Health Unit, Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Queensland Health, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lucy Fogarty
- Department of Physiotherapy, Townsville Hospital and Health Service, Queensland Health, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Yvonne Cadet-James
- Research, Apunipima Cape York Health Council, Bungalow, Queensland, Australia
| | - Alan Ruben
- Child, Youth, and Family Health, Cape and Torres Strait Hospital and Health Service, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tracy Comans
- Centre for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Anthony Smith
- Centre for Online Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Robert S Ware
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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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: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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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Wightman L, Hutton A, Grant J. Child and family health nurses' roles in the care of infants and children: A scoping review. J Child Health Care 2022; 26:448-460. [PMID: 34116592 DOI: 10.1177/13674935211026123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Child and family health nurses (CFHNs) work in a variety of settings with families to promote optimal growth and development in infants and children from birth to 5 years. Literature is available about models of care that CFHNs use in their work, but there is limited information about how CFHNs enact care specifically for infants and children. The aim of this scoping review was to identify and contextualize existing knowledge of how CFHNs, both in Australia and internationally, care for infants and children. Arksey and O'Malley's (2005) framework was used to review 27 studies from Australia, Sweden, Finland, United Kingdom (UK), United States of America (USA), Ireland, Netherlands, Denmark and Canada. It was identified that CFHNs, equipped with a range of assessment tools for early intervention and health promotion, use a partnership approach when working with parents to promote the health and well-being of infants and children. The literature revealed the complexity of the roles undertaken by CFHNs when caring for infants and children. Review findings indicated that CFHNs' work is distinctive because it is conducted in home and community settings, is relational and salutogenic in nature and is also located in the domain of preventative health and early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Wightman
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, 1065Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Alison Hutton
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health and Medicine, 5982The University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW, Australia
| | - Julian Grant
- School of Nursing, Midwifery & Indigenous Health, 89470Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, NSW, Australia
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Baranek GT, Sideris J, Chen Y, Crais ER, Turner‐Brown L, Watson LR. Early measurement of autism risk constructs in the general population: A new factor structure of the First Years Inventory (FYIv3.1) for ages 6-16 months. Autism Res 2022; 15:915-928. [PMID: 35243807 PMCID: PMC9314682 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Early detection of autism risk in the community is critical to increasing families' access to early intervention, yet few measures have been developed and tested for the general population of infants <16 months to tap a broader range of autism risk constructs. This study aimed to (a) examine the factor structure of the First Years Inventory, version 3.1 (FYIv3.1), with a sample of 6454 infants 6-16 months, and (b) determine the ability of the resulting factors to discriminate clinical outcome groups at 3 years of age. The FYIv3.1 is a parent-report tool designed to detect early behavioral risk signs that may be associated with a later diagnosis of ASD and related neurodevelopmental conditions. Factor analytic models were used to determine the number of constructs and inter-factor correlations. Findings supported a seven-factor structure: communication, imitation and play (CIP); social attention and affective engagement (SAE); sensory hyperresponsiveness (HYPER); sensory hyporesponsiveness (HYPO); self-regulation in daily routines (SREG); sensory interests, repetitions, and seeking behaviors (SIRS); motor coordination and milestones (MCM). Mean comparisons on these factors demonstrated significant discrimination of the three outcome groups at age 3 years including those classified as having an ASD diagnosis and/or high autism symptoms, those classified as having other developmental disorders/conditions/concerns, and those classified with no known conditions/concerns. These findings support the validity and multidimensionality of early ASD risk constructs, as well as the potential use of the FYIv3.1 for phenotypic subtyping in the general population, and early detection in a broader age range of 6-16 months in future clinical studies. LAY SUMMARY: The FYIv3.1 is a 69-item parent-report questionnaire about infant behaviors that may indicate an elevated likelihood for later neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism. Analyses of responses from 6454 parents of infants 6-16 months indicated that items could be grouped reliably into seven categories. Compared to children with or without other developmental conditions, children in the outcome group with autism spectrum disorder and/or high autism symptoms at age three showed more behavioral risk signs in social-communication, sensory, and motor domains during infancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace T. Baranek
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational TherapyUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - John Sideris
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational TherapyUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Yun‐Ju Chen
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational TherapyUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Elizabeth R. Crais
- Department of Allied Health SciencesUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Lauren Turner‐Brown
- TEACCH Autism ProgramUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Linda R. Watson
- Department of Allied Health SciencesUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
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Barbaro J, Sadka N, Gilbert M, Beattie E, Li X, Ridgway L, Lawson LP, Dissanayake C. Diagnostic Accuracy of the Social Attention and Communication Surveillance-Revised With Preschool Tool for Early Autism Detection in Very Young Children. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2146415. [PMID: 35275169 PMCID: PMC8917423 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.46415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Importance Early identification of children on the autism spectrum is crucial to facilitate access to early supports and services for children and families. The need for improved early autism identification tools is highlighted by the lack of sufficient diagnostic accuracy in current tools. Objectives To examine the diagnostic accuracy of the Social Attention and Communication Surveillance-Revised (SACS-R) and SACS-Preschool (SACS-PR) tools when used with a large, community-based, convenience sample and identify the prevalence of autism in this sample. Design, Setting, and Participants This diagnostic accuracy study was conducted in Melbourne, Australia, training maternal and child health nurses who monitored 13 511 children aged 11 to 42 months using the SACS-R and SACS-PR during their routine consultations (June 1, 2013, to July 31, 2018). Children identified as being at high likelihood for autism (12-24 months of age: n = 327; 42 months of age: n = 168) and at low likelihood for autism plus concerns (42 months of age: n = 28) were referred by their maternal and child health nurse for diagnostic assessment by the study team. Data analysis was performed from April 13, 2020, to November 29, 2021. Exposures Children were monitored with SACS-R and SACS-PR at 12, 18, 24, and 42 months of age. Main Outcomes and Measures Diagnostic accuracy of the SACS-R and SACS-PR was determined by comparing children's likelihood for autism with their diagnostic outcome using clinical judgment based on standard autism assessments (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition and Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised). Results A total of 13 511 children (female: 6494 [48.1%]; male: 7017 [51.9%]) were monitored at least once with the SACS-R at their 12-, 18-, and 24-month-old routine maternal and child health consultations (mean [SD] age, 12.3 [0.59] months at 12 months; 18.3 [0.74] months at 18 months; 24.6 [1.12] months at 24 months) and followed up at their 42-month maternal and child health consultation (mean [SD] age, 44.0 [2.74] months) with SACS-PR (8419 [62.3%]). At 12 to 24 months, SACS-R showed high diagnostic accuracy, with 83% positive predictive value (95% CI, 0.77-0.87) and 99% estimated negative predictive value (95% CI, 0.01-0.02). Specificity (99.6% [95% CI, 0.99-1.00]) was high, with modest sensitivity (62% [95% CI, 0.57-0.66]). When the SACS-PR 42-month assessment was added, estimated sensitivity increased to 96% (95% CI, 0.94-0.98). Autism prevalence was 2.0% (1 in 50) between 11 and 30 months of age and 3.3% (1 in 31) between 11 and 42 months of age. Conclusions and Relevance The SACS-R with SACS-PR (SACS-R+PR) had high diagnostic accuracy for the identification of autism in a community-based sample of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, indicating the utility of early autism developmental surveillance from infancy to the preschool period rather than 1-time screening. Its greater accuracy compared with psychometrics of commonly used autism screening tools when used in community-based samples suggests that the SACS-R+PR can be used universally for the early identification of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Barbaro
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), The University of Queensland, Indooroopilly, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nancy Sadka
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Melissa Gilbert
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Erin Beattie
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Xia Li
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lael Ridgway
- Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lauren P. Lawson
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), The University of Queensland, Indooroopilly, Queensland, Australia
| | - Cheryl Dissanayake
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), The University of Queensland, Indooroopilly, Queensland, Australia
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15
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Brief Report: Training New Zealand Well Child/Tamariki Ora Nurses on Early Autism Signs Using the Social Attention and Communication Surveillance-Revised. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:5050-5057. [PMID: 34748134 PMCID: PMC8574927 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05344-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Universal developmental surveillance is considered best practice for early identification of autism. We analysed data from 175 New Zealand Well-Child/Tamariki Ora nurses who attended a 1-day training in developmental surveillance for autism using the social attention and communication surveillance-revised (SACS-R) tool. We used a survey to measure nurses’ knowledge of typical development, knowledge of early signs of autism, general autism knowledge, and confidence in identifying and discussing early signs, prior to the workshop, after the workshop, and at follow-up. We measured perceived acceptability of the SACS-R after the workshop and at follow-up. Nurses showed improvements on all measures from pre-workshop to post-workshop and pre-workshop to follow-up. Implementation of the SACS-R across different contexts appears feasible and acceptable.
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16
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Whitehouse AJO, Varcin KJ, Pillar S, Billingham W, Alvares GA, Barbaro J, Bent CA, Blenkley D, Boutrus M, Chee A, Chetcuti L, Clark A, Davidson E, Dimov S, Dissanayake C, Doyle J, Grant M, Green CC, Harrap M, Iacono T, Matys L, Maybery M, Pope DF, Renton M, Rowbottam C, Sadka N, Segal L, Slonims V, Smith J, Taylor C, Wakeling S, Wan MW, Wray J, Cooper MN, Green J, Hudry K. Effect of Preemptive Intervention on Developmental Outcomes Among Infants Showing Early Signs of Autism: A Randomized Clinical Trial of Outcomes to Diagnosis. JAMA Pediatr 2021; 175:e213298. [PMID: 34542577 PMCID: PMC8453361 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2021.3298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Intervention for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) typically commences after diagnosis. No trial of an intervention administered to infants before diagnosis has shown an effect on diagnostic outcomes to date. OBJECTIVE To determine the efficacy of a preemptive intervention for ASD beginning during the prodromal period. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This 2-site, single rater-blinded randomized clinical trial of a preemptive intervention vs usual care was conducted at 2 Australian research centers (Perth, Melbourne). Community sampling was used to recruit 104 infants aged 9 to 14 months showing early behaviors associated with later ASD, as measured by the Social Attention and Communication Surveillance-Revised. Recruitment occurred from June 9, 2016, to March 30, 2018. Final follow-up data were collected on April 15, 2020. INTERVENTIONS Infants were randomized on a 1:1 ratio to receive either a preemptive intervention plus usual care or usual care only over a 5-month period. The preemptive intervention group received a 10-session social communication intervention, iBASIS-Video Interaction to Promote Positive Parenting (iBASIS-VIPP). Usual care comprised services delivered by community clinicians. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Infants were assessed at baseline (approximate age, 12 months), treatment end point (approximate age, 18 months), age 2 years, and age 3 years. Primary outcome was the combined blinded measure of ASD behavior severity (the Autism Observation Scale for Infants and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, second edition) across the 4 assessment points. Secondary outcomes were an independent blinded clinical ASD diagnosis at age 3 years and measures of child development. Analyses were preregistered and comprised 1-tailed tests with an α level of .05. RESULTS Of 171 infants assessed for eligibility, 104 were randomized; 50 infants (mean [SD] chronological age, 12.40 [1.93] months; 38 boys [76.0%]) received the iBASIS-VIPP preemptive intervention plus usual care (1 infant was excluded after randomization), and 53 infants (mean [SD] age, 12.38 [2.02] months; 32 boys [60.4%]) received usual care only. A total of 89 participants (45 in the iBASIS-VIPP group and 44 in the usual care group) were reassessed at age 3 years. The iBASIS-VIPP intervention led to a reduction in ASD symptom severity (area between curves, -5.53; 95% CI, -∞ to -0.28; P = .04). Reduced odds of ASD classification at age 3 years was found in the iBASIS-VIPP group (3 of 45 participants [6.7%]) vs the usual care group (9 of 44 participants [20.5%]; odds ratio, 0.18; 95% CI, 0-0.68; P = .02). Number needed to treat to reduce ASD classification was 7.2 participants. Improvements in caregiver responsiveness and language outcomes were also observed in the iBASIS-VIPP group. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Receipt of a preemptive intervention for ASD from age 9 months among a sample of infants showing early signs of ASD led to reduced ASD symptom severity across early childhood and reduced the odds of an ASD diagnosis at age 3 years. TRIAL REGISTRATION http://anzctr.org.au identifier: ACTRN12616000819426.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J. O. Whitehouse
- CliniKids, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia,University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia,Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism, Long Pocket, Indooroopilly, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kandice J. Varcin
- CliniKids, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia,School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sarah Pillar
- CliniKids, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Wesley Billingham
- CliniKids, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Gail A. Alvares
- CliniKids, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Josephine Barbaro
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism, Long Pocket, Indooroopilly, Queensland, Australia,Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Catherine A. Bent
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniel Blenkley
- Perinatal Mental Health and Parenting Research Unit, Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Maryam Boutrus
- CliniKids, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia,Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism, Long Pocket, Indooroopilly, Queensland, Australia,School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Abby Chee
- CliniKids, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Lacey Chetcuti
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism, Long Pocket, Indooroopilly, Queensland, Australia,Department of Psychology and Counselling, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alena Clark
- CliniKids, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Emma Davidson
- Child and Adolescent Health Service, Child Development Service, West Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Stefanie Dimov
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cheryl Dissanayake
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism, Long Pocket, Indooroopilly, Queensland, Australia,Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jane Doyle
- Child and Adolescent Health Service, Child Development Service, West Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Megan Grant
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cherie C. Green
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Megan Harrap
- CliniKids, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Teresa Iacono
- Living with Disability Research Centre, College of Science, Health, and Engineering, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lisa Matys
- CliniKids, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Murray Maybery
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Daniel F. Pope
- Perinatal Mental Health and Parenting Research Unit, Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle Renton
- CliniKids, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia,Child and Adolescent Health Service, Child Development Service, West Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Catherine Rowbottam
- Child and Adolescent Health Service, Child Development Service, West Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Nancy Sadka
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Leonie Segal
- Australian Centre for Precision Health, Allied Health and Human Movement, University of South Australia, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Vicky Slonims
- Children’s Neurosciences, Evelina London Children’s Hospital/Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jodie Smith
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Carol Taylor
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Scott Wakeling
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ming Wai Wan
- Perinatal Mental Health and Parenting Research Unit, Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - John Wray
- Child and Adolescent Health Service, Child Development Service, West Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Matthew N. Cooper
- CliniKids, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jonathan Green
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Kristelle Hudry
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism, Long Pocket, Indooroopilly, Queensland, Australia,Department of Psychology and Counselling, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
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Talbott MR, Dufek S, Young G, Rogers SJ. Leveraging telehealth to evaluate infants with prodromal autism spectrum disorder characteristics using the telehealth evaluation of development for infants. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2021; 26:1242-1254. [PMID: 34549613 DOI: 10.1177/13623613211045596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Many families seeking early evaluations for autism spectrum disorder face long waitlists, must often travel to centers with appropriate expertise, and are frequently told by providers to "wait and see." This results in significant stress for families and delayed supports to infants and their caregivers who could benefit. This study evaluated whether telehealth could be used to identify and evaluate infants with early autism spectrum disorder characteristics in the first year of life. In this study, we evaluated 41 infants via telehealth using a standard set of probes and scored behavior related to social communication, play, imitation, and other developmental domains. We found the majority of infants demonstrated elevated likelihood of autism spectrum disorder on both parent-reported questionnaires and examiner-rated behavior. Caregiver ratings of the overall utility of the protocol used in this study were high. Overall, this study demonstrates the feasibility for telehealth-based approaches to evaluate infants' with elevated likelihood of autism spectrum disorder in the first year of life, which could help to improve families' access to care and to expand our capacity to conduct studies evaluating possible intervention supports.
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18
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Shrestha R, Dissanayake C, Barbaro J. Implementing and evaluating Social Attention and Communication Surveillance (SACS) to prospectively identify autism in very young children in Nepal. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2021; 115:104013. [PMID: 34144316 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.104013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be identified as early as 12 months and diagnosed by 24 months, the mean age of diagnosis of ASD in Nepal is ∼58 months, with children missing the opportunity for early intervention. AIMS This study implemented and evaluated a Nepali version of the Social Attention and Communication Surveillance (SACS-N) tool, to identify children between 11-30 months who are at "high likelihood" of ASD in a local community in Nepal. METHODS Sixty Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs) were trained to monitor and identify the early signs of ASD using SACS-N. RESULTS Overall, 1926 children were monitored with the SACS-N, with 11 children (0.57 %) referred for further assessments at 11-15 months (n = 4), 16-21 months (n = 4), and 22-30 months (n = 3). Of these children, 10 children had a developmental disorder, including ASD and Global Developmental Delay; no information was available on one child who migrated. Hence, the positive predictive value (PPV) of SACS-N for all developmental disorders was 100 %. Of seven children attending a gold standard diagnostic/ developmental assessment, three had ASD (43 % PPV for ASD). The estimated prevalence of ASD ranged between 0.16 % to 0.26 %. CONCLUSION Community-based developmental monitoring of ASD and other developmental delays by FCHVs is a feasible, cost-effective and sustainable approach to promoting early identification of ASD in Nepal. Further training and awareness of autism is needed for more accurate and increased referral rates using the SACS-N, including regular supervision of FCHVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rena Shrestha
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Kingsbury Drive, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Cheryl Dissanayake
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Kingsbury Drive, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Josephine Barbaro
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Kingsbury Drive, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia.
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19
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An individualized life-skills coaching program for adults with autism. ADVANCES IN AUTISM 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/aia-08-2020-0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
The lack of services for adults on the autism spectrum is of growing concern. Given the huge variation in how autism impacts people, individualized approaches might be particularly effective. The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of a community-based life-skills coaching program for adults with autism “LifeMAP.”
Design/methodology/approach
LifeMAP is structured around individualized meetings between a client and their coach where they identify, prioritize and make progress toward self-selected goals. LifeMAP was established in 2008 and has since served around 2,600 clients. This paper provides an outline of the LifeMAP program, how sessions with clients are structured, goals that adults with autism prioritize and preliminary data on progress toward goal attainment.
Findings
Findings indicated that the LifeMAP program model was effective in supporting progress toward goals, increasing confidence toward goals and reducing anxiety.
Originality/value
Given the scope of the LifeMAP program, this overview is unique in providing pertinent information to others looking for effective and authentic strategies to support autistic adults and those transitioning from high school. This study provides a realistic perspective on how programs are applied in community-based settings, outside a structured, formal lab setting. It is concluded that individualized intervention approaches might be key to successful outcomes for adults with autism.
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20
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Divan G, Bhavnani S, Leadbitter K, Ellis C, Dasgupta J, Abubakar A, Elsabbagh M, Hamdani SU, Servili C, Patel V, Green J. Annual Research Review: Achieving universal health coverage for young children with autism spectrum disorder in low- and middle-income countries: a review of reviews. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2021; 62:514-535. [PMID: 33905120 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism presents with similar prevalence and core impairments in diverse populations. We conducted a scoping review of reviews to determine key barriers and innovative strategies which can contribute to attaining universal health coverage (UHC), from early detection to effective interventions for autism in low- and middle-income countries (LAMIC). METHODS A systematic literature search of review articles was conducted. Reviews relevant to the study research question were included if they incorporated papers from LAMIC and focused on children (<eight years old) with autism or their caregivers. The database search was supplemented with bibliographic search of included articles and key informant suggestions. Data were extracted and mapped onto a Theory of Change model toward achieving UHC for autism in LAMIC. RESULTS We identified 31 articles which reviewed data from over fifty countries across Africa, Latin America, Middle East, and Asia and addressed barriers across one or more of four inter-related domains: (a) the social context and family experience for a child with autism; (b) barriers to detection and diagnosis; (c) access to appropriate evidence-based intervention; and (d) social policy and legislation. Key barriers identified included: lack of appropriate tools for detection and diagnosis; low awareness and experienced stigma impacting demand for autism care; and the prevalence of specialist models for diagnosis and treatment which are not scalable in LAMIC. CONCLUSIONS We present a Theory of Change model which describe the strategies and resources needed to realize UHC for children with autism in LAMIC. We highlight the importance of harnessing existing evidence to best effect, using task sharing and adapted intervention strategies, community participation, and technology innovation. Scaling up these innovations will require open access to appropriate detection and intervention tools, systematic approaches to building and sustaining skills in frontline providers to support detection and deliver interventions embedded within a stepped care architecture, and community awareness of child development milestones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gauri Divan
- Child Development Group, Sangath, Bardez, Goa, India
| | | | - Kathy Leadbitter
- Division of Neuroscience & Experimental Psychology, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ceri Ellis
- Division of Neuroscience & Experimental Psychology, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Amina Abubakar
- Institute of Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Mayada Elsabbagh
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Syed Usman Hamdani
- Human Development Research Foundation, Punjab, Pakistan.,University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Chiara Servili
- Department of Mental Health and Substance Use, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Vikram Patel
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan Green
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Manchester and Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK.,Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester, UK
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21
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Kunze MG, Machalicek W, Wei Q, St. Joseph S. Coaching via Telehealth: Caregiver-Mediated Interventions for Young Children on the Waitlist for an Autism Diagnosis Using Single-Case Design. J Clin Med 2021; 10:1654. [PMID: 33924440 PMCID: PMC8070073 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10081654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Years can elapse between parental suspicion of a developmental delay and a diagnostic assessment, ultimately delaying access to medically necessary, autism-specific intervention. Using a single-case, concurrent multiple baseline design, autism spectrum disorder symptomology (i.e., higher-order restrictive and repetitive behaviors and interests; higher-order RRBIs) was targeted in toddlers (21-35 months) waiting for a diagnostic appointment. Caregivers were coached via telehealth to mediate early intervention to decrease interfering, inflexible higher-order RRBIs during play using four evidence-based applied behavior analytic strategies: modeling, prompting, differential reinforcement of appropriate behaviors, and response interruption and redirection. Six mother-child dyads were recruited from pediatrician offices and early intervention service districts in the United States. All families were considered under-served, under-resourced, or living in rural locations. A visual analysis of the data combined with Tau-U revealed a strong basic effect between the intervention package and parent strategy use and child flexible and inflexible behavior. Findings were consistent across participants with one exception demonstrating a moderate effect for flexible behaviors yet a strong effect for inflexible behaviors. Standardized mean difference was beyond zero for all participants. Implications for science and practice include support for early intervention of higher-order RRBIs for young children with and at risk for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan G. Kunze
- Department of Special Education and Clinical Sciences, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA; (W.M.); (Q.W.); (S.S.J.)
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22
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Bong G, Kim SY, Song DY, Kim JH, Hong Y, Yoon NH, Sunwoo H, Jang JY, Oh M, Kim JM, Lee KS, Jung S, Choi CW, Ryu JS, Yoo HJ. Short caregiver interview and play observation for early screening of autism spectrum disorder: Behavior development screening for toddlers (BeDevel). Autism Res 2021; 14:1472-1483. [PMID: 33792202 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
This study validates behavior development screening for toddlers (BeDevel), which utilizes a combination of short caregiver interviews (BeDevel-I) and semistructured play observations (BeDevel-P). The data of 431 toddlers (male 66.2%; mean age (SD) = 29.11 (8.59) months; ASD, n = 201; developmental delay, n = 46; typically developing, n = 184), aged 18 ~ 42 months, were included in the validation of BeDevel. The best clinical estimate diagnosis, screening rate, validity, sensitivity, and reliability of BeDevel were determined based on data cross-sectionally collected using BeDevel and existing diagnostic/screening instruments: autism diagnostic observation schedule (ADOS), autism diagnostic interview (ADI-R), Vineland adaptive behavior scales-II (VABS-II), social response scales (SRS), sequenced language scale for infants (SELSI), Korean childhood autism rating scale (K-CARS), and Korean social communication questionnaire (K-SCQ). The k values of BeDevel-I and BeDevel-P were 0.055 ~ 0.732 and 0.291 ~ 0.752, respectively. Items related to social referencing in BeDevel-P had a particularly high diagnostic validity (k = 0.483 ~ 0.684). Reliabilities of BeDevel-I and BeDevel-P were sufficient (Cronbach's alpha = 0.86 ~ 0.88 and 0.92 ~ 0.95, respectively). BeDevel-I and BeDevel-P showed high sensitivity (BeDevel-I: 85.00 ~ 89.29%; BeDevel-P: 85.00 ~ 91.75%), specificity (BeDevel-I: 77.55 ~ 89.55%; BeDevel-P: 85.09 ~ 97.01%), PPV (BeDevel-I: 70.83 ~ 88.54%; BeDevel-P: 81.52 ~ 94.68%), and NPV (BeDevel-I: 76.00 ~ 95.24%; BeDevel-P: 84.62 ~ 95.45%). The agreement between the composite BeDevel score and ADOS, ADI-R, K-CARS, and K-SCQ was >67.6% (range = 67.6 ~ 90.8%). Combining a short caregiver interview and direct play observation is a valid and reliable screening process. More studies on social referencing as an important early marker are needed. BeDevel can be utilized as a secondary screening instrument before diagnostic confirmation in clinical and community settings. LAY SUMMARY: BeDevel, which consists of a short caregiver interview and direct play observation, is a valid and reliable screening instrument for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We suggest that BeDevel can be utilized as a secondary instrument before administering diagnostic assessments in clinical and community settings. More studies examining social referencing as a potential behavioral marker of ASD are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiyoung Bong
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - So Yoon Kim
- Department in Teacher Education, Duksung Women's University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Da-Yea Song
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Jeong-Heun Kim
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | | | - Nan-He Yoon
- Department of Health Administration, Hanyang Cyber University, South Korea
| | - Hyunjung Sunwoo
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Junior mind clinic Didim, Hwaseong, South Korea
| | - Jeong Yun Jang
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Miae Oh
- Department of Psychiatry, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jong Myeong Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Kyung-Sook Lee
- Department of Rehabilitation, Hanshin University, Kyeonggi, South Korea.,Sewon Infant Child Development Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seokjin Jung
- Sewon Infant Child Development Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Chang Won Choi
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea.,Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ju Seok Ryu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea.,Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hee Jeong Yoo
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea.,Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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23
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Shrestha R, Barbaro J, Dissanayake C. Changes in Knowledge on the Signs of Autism in Young Children (11-30 Months) among Female Community Health Volunteers in Nepal. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:219-239. [PMID: 33709379 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-04944-7] [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: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Nepalese Female Community Health Volunteers' (FCHVs) knowledge on social attention and communication development and the early signs of autism was evaluated before, immediately after, and 12-months following training on typical and atypical social-communicative development in infants/toddlers, early signs of autism, and monitoring of key "markers" of autism using Social Attention and Communication Surveillance. FCHVs (N = 60) significantly improved their knowledge about autism and reported increased perceived confidence in monitoring and referring young children at high likelihood of autism following training, which was sustained one year later. FCHVs also reported a positive impact of training on their work. These findings indicate the effectiveness of training in improving FCHVs' knowledge and perceived confidence to monitor and refer young children at high likelihood of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rena Shrestha
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Kingsbury Drive, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Josephine Barbaro
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Kingsbury Drive, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Cheryl Dissanayake
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Kingsbury Drive, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia.
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24
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Detection of Early Warning Signs in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review. CHILDREN-BASEL 2021; 8:children8020164. [PMID: 33671540 PMCID: PMC7926898 DOI: 10.3390/children8020164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Due to the exponential increase of autism spectrum disorders’ prevalence in Western countries, it is necessary to improve early detection and intervention to enhance developmental milestones. This systematic review identified the most effective screening instrument, which can be used at an early age and which identifies the maximum number of autism cases. We identified several instruments with adequate predictive properties—the Autism Parent Screen for Infants (APSI), Battelle Development Inventory, second edition (BDI-2); Brief Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment (BITSEA); First Year Inventory (FYI); Infant-Toddler Checklist/Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales Developmental Profile (ITC/CSBS-DP); Program of Research and Studies on AUTISM (PREAUT-Grid); Checklist for Early Signs of Developmental Disorders (CESDD); Social Attention and Communication Study (SACS); and the Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers and Young Children (STAT)—that can be applied from 12 months of age in Western countries. The ITC/CSBS-DP has been proposed for universal screening from 12 months of age onwards, complemented by the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised/Revised with Follow-Up (M-CHAT-R/F), which can be used from 15 months of age onwards. This strategy could improve early detection in at-risk children within the current health system, thus allowing for early intervention.
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25
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Tsuchiya KJ, Hakoshima S, Hara T, Ninomiya M, Saito M, Fujioka T, Kosaka H, Hirano Y, Matsuo M, Kikuchi M, Maegaki Y, Harada T, Nishimura T, Katayama T. Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder Without Expertise: A Pilot Study of 5- to 17-Year-Old Individuals Using Gazefinder. Front Neurol 2021; 11:603085. [PMID: 33584502 PMCID: PMC7876254 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.603085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Atypical eye gaze is an established clinical sign in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We propose a computerized diagnostic algorithm for ASD, applicable to children and adolescents aged between 5 and 17 years using Gazefinder, a system where a set of devices to capture eye gaze patterns and stimulus movie clips are equipped in a personal computer with a monitor. We enrolled 222 individuals aged 5–17 years at seven research facilities in Japan. Among them, we extracted 39 individuals with ASD without any comorbid neurodevelopmental abnormalities (ASD group), 102 typically developing individuals (TD group), and an independent sample of 24 individuals (the second control group). All participants underwent psychoneurological and diagnostic assessments, including the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, second edition, and an examination with Gazefinder (2 min). To enhance the predictive validity, a best-fit diagnostic algorithm of computationally selected attributes originally extracted from Gazefinder was proposed. The inputs were classified automatically into either ASD or TD groups, based on the attribute values. We cross-validated the algorithm using the leave-one-out method in the ASD and TD groups and tested the predictability in the second control group. The best-fit algorithm showed an area under curve (AUC) of 0.84, and the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 74, 80, and 78%, respectively. The AUC for the cross-validation was 0.74 and that for validation in the second control group was 0.91. We confirmed that the diagnostic performance of the best-fit algorithm is comparable to the diagnostic assessment tools for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji J Tsuchiya
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.,Department of Child Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Suita, Japan
| | - Shuji Hakoshima
- Healthcare Business Division, Development Center, JVCKENWOOD Corporation, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Takeshi Hara
- Center for Healthcare Information Technology, Tokai National Higher Education and Research System, Gifu, Japan.,Faculty of Engineering, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Masaru Ninomiya
- Healthcare Business Division, Development Center, JVCKENWOOD Corporation, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Manabu Saito
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki University, Hirosaki, Japan.,Research Center for Child Mental Development, Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki University, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Toru Fujioka
- Department of Child Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Suita, Japan.,Department of Science of Human Development, Faculty of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan.,Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Kosaka
- Department of Child Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Suita, Japan.,Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan.,Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Hirano
- Department of Child Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Suita, Japan.,Research Center for Child Mental Development, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Muneaki Matsuo
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Kikuchi
- Department of Child Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Suita, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan.,Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | | | - Taeko Harada
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.,Department of Child Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Suita, Japan
| | - Tomoko Nishimura
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.,Department of Child Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Suita, Japan
| | - Taiichi Katayama
- Department of Child Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Suita, Japan
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26
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Barbaro J, Masi A, Gilbert M, Nair R, Abdullahi I, Descallar J, Dissanayake C, Eastwood J, Hasan I, Jalaludin B, Karlov L, Khan F, Kohlhoff J, Liaw ST, Lingam R, Mendoza Diaz A, Ong N, Tam CWM, Unwin K, Woolfenden S, Eapen V. A Multistate Trial of an Early Surveillance Program for Autism Within General Practices in Australia. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:640359. [PMID: 33968847 PMCID: PMC8102783 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.640359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The early detection of developmental conditions such as autism is vital to ensure children can access appropriate and timely evidence-based supports, services, and interventions. Children who have undetected developmental conditions early in life are more likely to develop later health, developmental, learning, and behavioral issues, which in turn can have a cumulative effect over the life course. Methods: The current protocol describes a multi-site, cluster randomized control trial comparing a developmental surveillance pathway for autism to usual care, using opportunistic visits to general practitioners (GPs). Units of randomization are GP clinics across two Australian states (New South Wales and Victoria), with thirty clinics within each state, each of which will aim to recruit approximately forty children aged between ~18- and 24-months, for a total of ~2,400 participants. Children will be randomized to two clusters; namely, an autism surveillance pathway (ASP) or surveillance as usual (SaU). The screening process for the ASP arm involves primary and secondary screenings for developmental concerns for autism, using both parent and GP reports and observations. Children in both arms who show signs of developmental concerns for autism will be offered a full developmental assessment by the research team at 24 months of age to determine the efficacy of developmental surveillance in successfully identifying children with autism. Trial Registration: The trial is registered with ANZCTR (ACTRN12619001200178) and reporting of the trial results will be according to recommendations in the CONSORT Statement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Barbaro
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, College of Science, Health & Engineering, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia.,Cooperative Research Centre for Living With Autism (Autism CRC), The University of Queensland, Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia
| | - Anne Masi
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living With Autism (Autism CRC), The University of Queensland, Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Melissa Gilbert
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, College of Science, Health & Engineering, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Radhika Nair
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, College of Science, Health & Engineering, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Ifrah Abdullahi
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, College of Science, Health & Engineering, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Joseph Descallar
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia.,South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Cheryl Dissanayake
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, College of Science, Health & Engineering, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia.,Cooperative Research Centre for Living With Autism (Autism CRC), The University of Queensland, Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia
| | - John Eastwood
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Women and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Iqbal Hasan
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Bin Jalaludin
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lisa Karlov
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Academic Unit of Psychiatry, Infant Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Feroza Khan
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jane Kohlhoff
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - S T Liaw
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Raghu Lingam
- Population Child Health Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Antonio Mendoza Diaz
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Academic Unit of Psychiatry, Infant Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Natalie Ong
- Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Chun Wah Michael Tam
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Primary and Integrated Care Unit, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Katy Unwin
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, College of Science, Health & Engineering, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Sue Woolfenden
- Population Child Health Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Valsamma Eapen
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living With Autism (Autism CRC), The University of Queensland, Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia.,Academic Unit of Psychiatry, Infant Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Luu J, Jellett R, Yaari M, Gilbert M, Barbaro J. A Comparison of Children Born Preterm and Full-Term on the Autism Spectrum in a Prospective Community Sample. Front Neurol 2020; 11:597505. [PMID: 33343497 PMCID: PMC7744721 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.597505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Previous research suggests children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD or “autism”) born extremely and very preterm face substantially delayed development than their peers born full-term. Further, children born preterm are proposed to show a unique behavioral phenotype, which may overlap with characteristics of autism, making it difficult to disentangle their clinical presentation. To clarify the presentation of autism in children born preterm, this study examined differences in key indicators of child development (expressive language, receptive language, fine motor, and visual reception) and characteristics of autism (social affect and repetitive, restricted behaviors). Materials and Methods: One fifty-eight children (136 full-term, twenty-two preterm) diagnosed with autism, aged 22–34 months, were identified prospectively using the Social Attention and Communication Surveillance tools during community-based, developmental surveillance checks in the second year of life. Those identified at “high likelihood” of an autism diagnosis were administered the Mullen Scales of Early Learning and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule. Results: The children born preterm and full-term did not differ significantly in their fine motor, visual reception, expressive language, or receptive language skills. No significant differences in social affect and repetitive and restrictive behavior traits were found. Discussion: The findings of this study differs from previous research where children diagnosed with autism born very or extremely preterm were developmentally delayed and had greater autistic traits than their term-born peers. These null findings may relate to the large proportion of children born moderate to late preterm in this sample. This study was unique in its use of a community-based, prospectively identified sample of children diagnosed with autism at an early age. It may be that children in these groups differ from clinic- and hospital-based samples, that potential differences emerge later in development, or that within the autism spectrum, children born preterm and full-term develop similarly. It was concluded that within the current sample, at 2 years of age, children diagnosed with autism born preterm are similar to their peers born full-term. Thus, when clinicians identify characteristics of autism in children born preterm, it is important to refer the child for a diagnostic assessment for autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Luu
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Rachel Jellett
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Maya Yaari
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Goshen - Community Child Health and Well-Being, Haruv Campus for Children, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Melissa Gilbert
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Josephine Barbaro
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), The University of Queensland, Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia
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Brewer N, Young RL, Lucas CA. Autism Screening in Early Childhood: Discriminating Autism From Other Developmental Concerns. Front Neurol 2020; 11:594381. [PMID: 33362696 PMCID: PMC7758341 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.594381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Early identification of autism, followed by appropriate intervention, has the potential to improve outcomes for autistic individuals. Numerous screening instruments have been developed for children under 3 years of age. Level 1 screeners are used in large-scale screening to detect at-risk children in the general population; Level 2 screeners are concerned with distinguishing children with signs of autism from those with other developmental problems. The focus here is evaluation of Level 2 screeners. However, given the contributions of Level 1 screeners and the necessity to understand how they might interface with Level 2 screeners, we briefly review Level 1 screeners and consider instrument characteristics and system variables that may constrain their effectiveness. The examination of Level 2 screeners focuses on five instruments associated with published evaluations in peer-reviewed journals. Key criteria encompass the traditional indices of test integrity such as test reliability (inter-rater, test-retest) and construct validity, including concurrent and predictive validity, sensitivity (SE), and specificity (SP). These evaluations reveal limitations, including inadequate sample sizes, reliability issues, and limited involvement of independent researchers. Also lacking are comparative test evaluations under standardized conditions, hindering interpretation of differences in discriminative performance across instruments. Practical considerations constraining the use of such instruments—such as the requirements for training in test administration and test administration time—are canvassed. Published Level 2 screener short forms are reviewed and, as a consequence of that evaluation, future directions for assessing the discriminative capacity of items and measures are suggested. Suggested priorities for future research include targeting large and diverse samples to permit robust appraisals of Level 2 items and scales across the 12–36 month age range, a greater focus on precise operationalization of items and response coding to enhance reliability, ongoing exploration of potentially discriminating items at the younger end of the targeted age range, and trying to unravel the complexities of developmental trajectories in autistic infants. Finally, we emphasize the importance of understanding how screening efficacy is dependent on clinicians' and researchers' ability not only to develop screening tests but also to negotiate the complex organizational systems within which screening procedures must be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Brewer
- College of Education, Psychology & Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Robyn L Young
- College of Education, Psychology & Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Carmen A Lucas
- College of Education, Psychology & Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Barbaro J, Wang C, Wang J, Liu G, Liang Y, Wang J, Abdullahi I, Dissanayake C. A Pilot Investigation of the Social Attention and Communication Surveillance (SACS) Tool for the Early Identification of Autism in Tianjin, China (SACS-C). Front Neurol 2020; 11:597790. [PMID: 33304314 PMCID: PMC7701138 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.597790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises difficulties in social communication and restrictive and repetitive behaviors. Despite an increased global prevalence, little remains known about early detection and diagnosis of autism in Mainland China. Our aim was to conduct a pilot investigation of the implementation of an Australian tool, Social Attention and Communication Surveillance (SACS), in Tianjin, China (SACS-C) by trained professionals to identify autism early compared to the Checklist for Autism in Toddlers-23 (CHAT-23) completed by parents and professionals. Materials and Methods: A total of 10,514 children were monitored across 61 Community Health Service Centres in six Tianjin districts on the SACS-C at 12, 18, and 24 months of age following a half-day training of 225 child health practitioners. Children deemed at "high likelihood" for autism on either the SACS, CHAT-23, or both, were referred for developmental assessments at the Tianjin Women and Children's Health Centre (TWCHC). Results: A total of 87 children (0.8%) were identified at "high likelihood" on the SACS-C, of whom 57 (66%) were assessed for autism; 24 children were subsequently diagnosed with autism (42.1%), and the remaining 33 (57.9%) were diagnosed with developmental and/or language delays. The SACS-C had a positive predictive value (PPV) of 42.1%, a negative predictive value (NPV) of 99.8%, and sensitivity and specificity of 53.3 and 99.7%, respectively. Only 21 children were identified at "high risk" for autism on the CHAT-23 (0.2%), over four times fewer children than the SACS-C, with 14 children assessed for autism (66%); nine were diagnosed with autism (64.3%) and the remaining five children were diagnosed with developmental and/or language delays. The CHAT-23 had an overall PPV of 64.3%, NPV of 99.6%, sensitivity of 27.3%, and specificity of 99.9%. Conclusion: This was the first large-scale study identifying autism in 12-24-month-old children in China. We ascertained the feasibility of training community health practitioners to monitor infants and toddlers for the early signs of autism, and determined the effectiveness of their use of SACS-C which had a better balance between accuracy and sensitivity in detecting autism in contrast to the CHAT-23 which missed the majority of children with autism (72.7%) vs. the SACS-C (46.7%). Given the emphasis on identifying as many children with autism as possible in Mainland China, SACS-C was identified as the tool of choice by the TWCHC. However, more work is needed to improve the psychometric properties in using the SACS-C in Mainland China so that it is comparable to its use in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Barbaro
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Chongying Wang
- Department of Social Psychology, Zhou Enlai School of Government, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Tianjin Women and Children's Health Centre, Tianjin, China
| | - Gongshu Liu
- Tianjin Women and Children's Health Centre, Tianjin, China
| | - Ying Liang
- Tianjin Women and Children's Health Centre, Tianjin, China
| | - Ji Wang
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Yangzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Harbin Children's Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Ifrah Abdullahi
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Cheryl Dissanayake
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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30
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Anderson A, Barbaro J, Maybery M. Introduction to Special Issue “Autism Spectrum Disorder: Research and Practice”. AUSTRALIAN PSYCHOLOGIST 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/ap.12233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Josephine Barbaro
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University,
| | - Murray Maybery
- School of Psychology, University of Western Australia, Australia,
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31
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Ward SL, Sullivan KA, Gilmore L. Practitioner Perceptions of the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism in Australia. AUSTRALIAN PSYCHOLOGIST 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/ap.12211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L. Ward
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology,
- Stepping Stones for Life Psychology QLD Pty Ltd,
| | - Karen A. Sullivan
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology,
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology,
| | - Linda Gilmore
- School of Cultural and Professional Learning, Queensland University of Technology,
- Children and Youth Research Centre, Queensland University of Technology,
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32
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Young RL, Nah Y. Examining Autism Detection in Early Childhood (ADEC) in the Early Identification of Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). AUSTRALIAN PSYCHOLOGIST 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/ap.12223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Hudry K, Chetcuti L, Boutrus M, Pillar S, Baker EK, Dimov S, Barbaro J, Green J, Whitehouse AJO, Varcin KJ. Performance of the Autism Observation Scale for Infants with community-ascertained infants showing early signs of autism. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2020; 25:490-501. [DOI: 10.1177/1362361320965397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Often included within ‘high-risk sibling’ studies, the Autism Observation Scale for Infants (AOSI) has only one independent replication study and no evaluation with community-ascertained cohorts. We administered the AOSI and established clinical measures with 103 infants (68% male) at ‘high autism likelihood’ on the Social Attention and Communication Surveillance - Revised (SACS-R) tool, at 9–14 months of age and again 6 months later. AOSI Total scores showed adequate internal consistency and strong inter-rater agreement (live- or video-coded) and were approximately normally distributed at each visit. Modest significant associations presented between Time 1 AOSI scores and concurrent developmental/adaptive skills measures. Concurrent associations were stronger at Time 2, particularly between AOSI Total and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) Social Affect scores. AOSI scores were only moderately associated across Time 1 and 2 assessments, as were Time 1 AOSI with Time 2 ADOS scores. These data from a clinically indicated cohort broadly replicate previous AOSI validity accounts from ‘high-risk sibling’ studies, particularly beyond the first year. Strong inter-rater agreement indicates viable AOSI inclusion within protocols necessitating blinded evaluation (e.g. intervention trials). Moderate within-participant stability suggests that, like ‘high-risk siblings,’ community-ascertained infants experience variable early trajectories. Lay Abstract We investigated whether a commonly used research assessment – the Autism Observation Scale for Infants (AOSI) – accurately measures autism behaviours among infants showing early signs of autism identified within the community. The AOSI is often included in studies tracking the development of infants at increased likelihood of autism, such as the infant siblings of diagnosed children. However, the suitability of this measure has not previously been tested with community-referred infants. We administered the AOSI with infants when aged 9 to 14 months and again 6 months later. Our researchers – independent of the AOSI development team and newly trained on this measure – were able to administer the brief interactive assessment and score it accurately. The infants’ AOSI scores were linked to their scores on other established and validated clinical assessments, particularly at the second visit when average age was 18 months. Stronger correspondence of AOSI and other scores at this second visit suggests early autism behaviours are better established and more consistent by 18 months of age, even though these infants showed clear enough signs of possible autism to prompt referral to our study around 12 months of age. However, the moderate association of AOSI scores over time suggests that, like infant siblings – who mostly do not develop autism – community-identified infants showing early signs may also have variable developmental pathways in early life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lacey Chetcuti
- La Trobe University, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Australia
| | - Maryam Boutrus
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sarah Pillar
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Australia
| | - Emma K Baker
- La Trobe University, Australia
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, The Royal Children’s Hospital, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | - Jonathan Green
- University of Manchester, UK
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Andrew JO Whitehouse
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kandice J Varcin
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Australia
- Griffith University, Australia
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Magán-Maganto M, Canal-Bedia R, Hernández-Fabián A, Bejarano-Martín Á, Fernández-Álvarez CJ, Martínez-Velarte M, Martín-Cilleros MV, Flores-Robaina N, Roeyers H, Posada de la Paz M. Spanish Cultural Validation of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised. J Autism Dev Disord 2020; 50:2412-2423. [PMID: 30328577 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-018-3777-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers-revised/follow-up (M-CHAT-R/F) was developed to reduce the number of cases requiring telephone verification. The aim of this study was to validate a Spanish version of the M-CHAT-R/F in the Spanish public health system. The M-CHAT-R/F was translated, culturally adapted, and then administered to 6625 children. Of the 39 positive screening cases, 15 children were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 24 with non-ASD disorders or delays. The sensitivity was 0.79 and specificity of 0.99. Positive and negative predictive values were 0.39 and 0.99, respectively. These results are similar to the English equivalent, though observed prevalence was lower. This study supports Spanish National Health System policy makers to consider a universal ASD screening program.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Magán-Maganto
- Centro de Atención Integral al Autismo (INFOAUTISMO), Faculty of Education, University Institute of Community Integration (INICO), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Ricardo Canal-Bedia
- Centro de Atención Integral al Autismo (INFOAUTISMO), Faculty of Education, University Institute of Community Integration (INICO), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.
| | | | - Álvaro Bejarano-Martín
- Centro de Atención Integral al Autismo (INFOAUTISMO), Faculty of Education, University Institute of Community Integration (INICO), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Clara J Fernández-Álvarez
- Centro de Atención Integral al Autismo (INFOAUTISMO), Faculty of Education, University Institute of Community Integration (INICO), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | | | - Maria V Martín-Cilleros
- Centro de Atención Integral al Autismo (INFOAUTISMO), Faculty of Education, University Institute of Community Integration (INICO), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Noelia Flores-Robaina
- Faculty of Psychology, University Institute of Community Integration (INICO), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Herbert Roeyers
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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35
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Bernie C, Williams K, O'Connor B, Rogers S, May T. Referral, Assessment and Use of Screening Measures Related to Autism Spectrum Disorder at a Tertiary Hospital Setting. J Autism Dev Disord 2020; 51:2673-2685. [PMID: 33034784 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04725-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Children with developmental concerns in Australia continue to experience inequitable healthcare and service-related delays, even when diagnostic risk is identified. This study sought to explore service and demographic pathway factors leading up to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) assessment, including value of screening measures applied at triage. Following a trial of centralised intake for referred young children with suspected ASD, observational, retrospective pathway data was explored using bivariate and regression analyses. The mean age of 159 children referred with autism symptoms was 3.6 years, and 64% were diagnosed with ASD. Service allocation was associated with diagnosis, whilst screening tool results were not. Improved pathways are needed to limit wasted waiting times and direct each child to needs-based services.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Bernie
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, 3058, Victoria, Australia.
- Department of Allied Health, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - K Williams
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, 3058, Victoria, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Developmental Paediatrics, Monash Children's Hospital, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - B O'Connor
- Department of Allied Health, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - S Rogers
- Department of Allied Health, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Health and Human Services, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - T May
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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36
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Chetcuti L, Uljarević M, Varcin KJ, Boutrus M, Wan MW, Green J, Iacono T, Dissanayake C, Whitehouse AJO, Hudry K. Subgroups of Temperament Associated with Social-Emotional Difficulties in Infants with Early Signs of Autism. Autism Res 2020; 13:2094-2101. [PMID: 32924317 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Links between temperament and social-emotional difficulties are well-established in normative child development but remain poorly characterized in autism. We sought to characterize distinct temperament subgroups and their associations with concurrent internalizing and externalizing symptoms in a sample of 103 infants (Mage = 12.39 months, SD = 1.97; 68% male) showing early signs of autism. Latent profile analysis was used to identify subgroups of infants with distinct temperament trait configurations on the Infant Behavior Questionnaire-Revised. Derived subgroups were then compared in terms of internalizing and externalizing symptoms on the Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment. Three distinct temperament subgroups were identified: (a) inhibited/low positive (n = 22), characterized by low Smiling and Laughter, low High-Intensity Pleasure, low Vocal Reactivity, and low Approach; (b) active/negative reactive (n = 23), characterized by high Activity Level, high Distress to Limitations, high Sadness, high Fear, and low Falling Reactivity; and (c) well-regulated (n = 51), characterized by high Cuddliness, high Soothability, and high Low-Intensity Pleasure. There were no differences in infant sex ratio, mean age or developmental/cognitive ability. Inhibited/low-positive infants had significantly more behavioral autism signs than active/negative reactive and well-regulated infants, who did not differ. Inhibited/low-positive and active/negative reactive infants had higher internalizing symptoms, relative to well-regulated infants, and active/negative reactive infants also had higher externalizing symptoms. These findings align closely with those garnered in the context of normative child development, and point to child temperament as a putative target for internalizing and externalizing interventions. LAY SUMMARY: This study explored whether infants with early signs of autism could be grouped according to temperament characteristics (i.e., emotional, behavioral, and attentional traits). Three subgroups were identified that differed with respect to emotional and behavioral difficulties. Specifically, "inhibited/low-positive" infants had high emotional difficulties, "active/negative reactive" infants had high emotional and behavioral difficulties, while "well-regulated" infants had the lowest difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lacey Chetcuti
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mirko Uljarević
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kandice J Varcin
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Maryam Boutrus
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.,University of Western Australia, School of Psychological Science, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ming Wai Wan
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jonathan Green
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Teresa Iacono
- La Trobe Rural Health School, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cheryl Dissanayake
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew J O Whitehouse
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kristelle Hudry
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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37
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Bent CA, Barbaro J, Dissanayake C. Parents' experiences of the service pathway to an autism diagnosis for their child: What predicts an early diagnosis in Australia? RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2020; 103:103689. [PMID: 32434123 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2020.103689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The early identification and diagnosis of autism is critical to ensure access to appropriate early intervention and support. Few studies have examined the association between potentially modifiable characteristics of the service system and timelier diagnosis. METHODS An online survey was conducted to examine parental experiences of service pathways to an autism diagnosis for their child, and to identify child, family, and service level characteristics that predict the age and timeliness of diagnosis. Participants included 107 parents of children with autism who were diagnosed by 7 years of age and a smaller subgroup of 29 parents who were diagnosed after 7 years of age. RESULTS Parents of younger children reported that, on average, it took approximately 12 months and 8 professional consultations to receive a confirmed diagnosis for their child. Parents of older children, as well as those who reported they were a sole caregiver, or were advised by professionals to 'wait and see', reported more time between first raising concerns and diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS The findings reiterate the importance of proactive professional responses to parental concerns. They also highlight the need for standardised screening and assessment and professional development and training to build capacity in the sector to deliver timely and accurate autism diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Bent
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Australia.
| | - Josephine Barbaro
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Australia
| | - Cheryl Dissanayake
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Australia
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38
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Chetcuti L, Uljarević M, Varcin KJ, Boutrus M, Wan MW, Slonims V, Green J, Segal L, Iacono T, Dissanayake C, Whitehouse AJO, Hudry K. The Role of Negative Affectivity in Concurrent Relations Between Caregiver Psychological Distress and Social-Emotional Difficulties in Infants With Early Signs of Autism. Autism Res 2020; 13:1349-1357. [PMID: 32390345 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests the link between caregiver psychological distress and offspring social-emotional difficulties may be accounted for by offspring temperament characteristics. However, existing studies have only focused on neurotypical children; thus, the current study sought to provide an initial examination of this process among children with varying levels of early autism features. Participants included 103 infants aged 9-16 months (M = 12.39, SD = 1.97; 68% male) and their primary caregiver (96% mothers) referred to a larger study by community healthcare professionals. We utilized caregiver-reported measures of psychological distress (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales), infant temperament (Infant Behavior Questionnaire-Revised) and internalizing and externalizing symptoms (Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment) and administered the Autism Observation Schedule for Infants (AOSI) at an assessment visit to quantify autism features. Infant negative affectivity was found to mediate positive concurrent relations between caregiver psychological distress and infant internalizing and externalizing symptoms, irrespective of the infants' AOSI score. While preliminary and cross-sectional, these results replicate and extend previous findings suggesting that the pathway from caregiver psychological distress to negative affectivity to social-emotional difficulties might also be apparent among infants with varying levels of autism features. More rigorous tests of causal effects await future longitudinal investigation. LAY SUMMARY: Offspring of caregivers experiencing psychological distress (i.e., symptoms of depression, anxiety, and/or stress) may themselves be at increased risk of poor mental health outcomes. Several previous studies conducted with neurotypical children suggest that this link from caregiver-to-child may be facilitated by children's temperament qualities. This study was a preliminary cross-sectional exploration of these relationships in infants with features of autism. We found that infants' elevated negative emotions were involved in the relation between caregiver heightened psychological distress and children's mental health difficulties, consistent with neurotypical development. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1349-1357. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lacey Chetcuti
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mirko Uljarević
- Stanford Autism Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.,Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kandice J Varcin
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Maryam Boutrus
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia.,School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ming Wai Wan
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Vicky Slonims
- Children's Neurosciences, Evelina London Children's Hospital, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Jonathan Green
- Division of Neuroscience & Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Leonie Segal
- Australian Centre for Precision Health, School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Teresa Iacono
- La Trobe Rural Health School, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cheryl Dissanayake
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew J O Whitehouse
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kristelle Hudry
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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- The AICES Team in Alphabetical Order: Josephine Barbaro, Stefanie Dimov, Murray Maybery, Michelle Renton, Nancy Sadka, Scott Wakeling, and John Wray
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Geng X, Kang X, Wong PCM. Autism spectrum disorder risk prediction: A systematic review of behavioral and neural investigations. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2020; 173:91-137. [PMID: 32711819 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2020.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
A reliable diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is difficult to make until after toddlerhood. Detection in an earlier age enables early intervention, which is typically more effective. Recent studies of the development of brain and behavior in infants and toddlers have provided important insights in the diagnosis of autism. This extensive review focuses on published studies of predicting the diagnosis of autism during infancy and toddlerhood younger than 3 years using behavioral and neuroimaging approaches. After screening a total of 782 papers, 17 neuroimaging and 43 behavioral studies were reviewed. The features for prediction consist of behavioral measures using screening tools, observational and experimental methods, brain volumetric measures, and neural functional activation and connectivity patterns. The classification approaches include logistic regression, linear discriminant function, decision trees, support vector machine, and deep learning based methods. Prediction performance has large variance across different studies. For behavioral studies, the sensitivity varies from 20% to 100%, and specificity ranges from 48% to 100%. The accuracy rates range from 61% to 94% in neuroimaging studies. Possible factors contributing to this inconsistency may be partially due to the heterogeneity of ASD, different targeted populations (i.e., high-risk group for ASD and general population), age when the features were collected, and validation procedures. The translation to clinical practice requires extensive further research including external validation with large sample size and optimized feature selection. The use of multi-modal features, e.g., combination of neuroimaging and behavior, is worth further investigation to improve the prediction accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiujuan Geng
- Brain and Mind Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.
| | - Xin Kang
- Brain and Mind Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong; Department of Linguistics and Modern Languages, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.
| | - Patrick C M Wong
- Brain and Mind Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong; Department of Linguistics and Modern Languages, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
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Barbaro J, Yaari M. Study protocol for an evaluation of ASDetect - a Mobile application for the early detection of autism. BMC Pediatr 2020; 20:21. [PMID: 31952489 PMCID: PMC6969425 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-019-1888-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) can be reliably diagnosed by 24 months of age. However, despite the well-known benefits of early intervention, there is still a research-practice gap in the timely identification of ASC, particularly in low-resourced settings. The Social Attention and Communication Surveillance (SACS) tool, which assesses behavioural markers of autism between 12 to 24 months of age, has been implemented in Maternal and Child Health (MCH) settings, with excellent psychometric properties. ASDetect is a free mobile application based on the SACS, which is designed to meet the need for an effective, evidence-based tool for parents, to learn about children’s early social-communication development and assess their child’s ‘likelihood’ for ASC. Study aims The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the psychometric properties of ASDetect in the early detection of children with ASC. A secondary aim is to assess ASDetect’s acceptability and parental user experience with the application. Methods Families are recruited to download the application and participate in the study via social media, health professionals (e.g., MCH nurses, paediatricians) and word of mouth. All participating caregivers complete a demographic questionnaire, survey regarding their user experience, and the Social Responsiveness Scale-2 (SRS-2), an autism screening questionnaire; they are also invited to participate in focus groups. Children identified at ‘high likelihood’ for ASC based on the ASDetect results, the SRS-2 or parental and/or professional concerns undergo a formal, gold-standard, diagnostic assessment. Receiver Operating Characteristic analyses will be used to assess psychometric properties of ASDetect. Thematic analyses will be used to explore themes arising in the focus groups to provide insights regarding user experiences with the app. Multiple regression analyses will be carried out to determine the extent to which demographic factors, parental stress and beliefs on health surveillance and child results on ASDetect are associated with the parental user-experience of the application. Discussion With a strong evidence-base and global access, ASDetect has the potential to empower parents by providing them with knowledge of their child’s social-communication development, validating and reassuring any parental concerns, and supporting them in communicating with other health professionals, ultimately enhancing child and family outcomes and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Barbaro
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health. College of Science, Heath & Engineering. La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3086, Australia.
| | - Maya Yaari
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health. College of Science, Heath & Engineering. La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3086, Australia.,Goshen - Community Child Health and Well-Being. Haruv Campus for Children. Mount Scopus, 9765418, Jerusalem, Israel
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41
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Lee KS, Jung SJ, Yoo HJ, Shin YW, Cho YI. Validity and Reliability of the Behavior Development Screening for Toddlers-Questionnaire/Parents(BeDevel-Q/P): A Korean Autism Screening Instrument for Infants aged 24-35 Months. Psychiatry Investig 2020; 17:47-54. [PMID: 31995971 PMCID: PMC6992850 DOI: 10.30773/pi.2018.0271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study tested the validity and reliability of the Behavior Development Screening for Toddlers-Questionnaire-Parents (BeDevel-Q/P), a new autism spectrum disorder (ASD) screening instrument being developed in South Korea. The parents of 24-35-month-old infants were recruited to complete the questionnaire. METHODS The participants were 791 infants aged 24-35 months. There were 623 typically developing infants, 88 infants with ASD, and 80 developmentally delayed infants. For test-retest, the participants were surveyed every 1-4 weeks. Participants were recruited nationwide. Subjects' parents completed the BeDevel-Q/P and concurrent validity questionnaires. The data were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS A total of 24 items consisting of 16 items from factor 1 (F1), 6 items from factor 2 (F2), and 2 items from factor 3 (F3), were selected for the final BeDevel-Q/P items. CONCLUSION The factors of the screening instrument developed in this study were analyzed, and three factors were extracted, confirming the theoretical foundation of the BeDevel-Q for the parents of 24-35-month-old infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Sook Lee
- Department of Rehabilitation, Hanshin University, Osan, Republic of Korea
| | - Suk Jin Jung
- Sewon Infant & Child Development Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Jeong Yoo
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Woo Shin
- Department of Psychology, Sungshin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Il Cho
- Department of Psychology, Sungshin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Whitehouse AJO, Varcin KJ, Alvares GA, Barbaro J, Bent C, Boutrus M, Chetcuti L, Cooper MN, Clark A, Davidson E, Dimov S, Dissanayake C, Doyle J, Grant M, Iacono T, Maybery M, Pillar S, Renton M, Rowbottam C, Sadka N, Segal L, Slonims V, Taylor C, Wakeling S, Wan MW, Wray J, Green J, Hudry K. Pre-emptive intervention versus treatment as usual for infants showing early behavioural risk signs of autism spectrum disorder: a single-blind, randomised controlled trial. THE LANCET. CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2019; 3:605-615. [PMID: 31324597 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(19)30184-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Great interest exists in the potential efficacy of prediagnostic interventions within the autism spectrum disorder prodrome, but available evidence relates to children at high familial risk. We aimed to test the efficacy of a pre-emptive intervention designed for infants showing early behavioural signs of autism spectrum disorder. METHODS In this single-blind, randomised controlled trial done at two specialist centres in Australia, infants aged 9-14 months were enrolled if they were showing at least three early behavioural signs of autism spectrum disorder on the Social Attention and Communication Surveillance-Revised (SACS-R) 12-month checklist. Infants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive a parent-mediated video-aided intervention (iBASIS-VIPP) or treatment as usual. Group allocation was done by minimisation, stratified by site, sex, age, and the number of SACS-R risk behaviours. Assessments were done at baseline (before treatment allocation) and at the 6 month endpoint. The primary outcome was Autism Observation Scale for Infants (AOSI), which measures early behavioural signs associated with autism spectrum disorder. Secondary outcomes were a range of infant and caregiver outcomes measured by Manchester Assessment of Caregiver-Infant interaction (MACI), Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL), Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales, 2nd edition (VABS-2), MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventory (MCDI), and Parenting Sense of Competence (PSOC) scale. This trial is registered with Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, number ANZCTR12616000819426. FINDINGS Between June 9, 2016, and March 30, 2018, 103 infants were randomly assigned, 50 to the iBASIS-VIPP group and 53 to the treatment-as-usual group. After the intervention, we observed no significant differences between groups on early autism spectrum disorder behavioural signs measured by the AOSI (difference estimate -0·74, 95% CI -2·47 to 0·98). We also observed no significant differences on secondary outcomes measuring caregiver non-directiveness (0·16, -0·33 to 0·65), caregiver sensitive responding (0·24, -0·15 to 0·63), and infant attentiveness (-0·19, -0·63 to 0·25) during parent-child interactions (MACI), as well as on researcher-administered measures of receptive (1·30, -0·48 to 3·08) and expressive language (0·54, -0·73 to 1·80), visual reception (0·31, -0·77 to 1·40), and fine motor skills (0·55, -0·32 to 1·41) using the MSEL. Compared with the treatment-as-usual group, the iBASIS-VIPP group had lower infant positive affect (-0·69, -1·27 to -0·10) on the MACI, but higher caregiver-reported receptive (37·17, 95% CI 10·59 to 63·75) and expressive vocabulary count (incidence rate ratio 2·31, 95% CI 1·22 to 4·33) on MCDI, and functional language use (difference estimate 6·43, 95% CI 1·06 to 11·81) on VABS. There were no significant group differences on caregiver-reported measures of MCDI infant gesture use (3·22, -0·60 to 7·04) and VABS social behaviour (3·28, -1·43 to 7·99). We observed no significant differences between groups on self-reported levels of parenting satisfaction (difference estimate 0·21, 95% CI -0·09 to 0·52), interest (-0·23, -0·62 to 0·16) and efficacy (-0·08, -0·38 to 0·22) on PSOC. INTERPRETATION A pre-emptive intervention for the autism spectrum disorder prodrome had no immediate treatment effect on early autism spectrum disorder symptoms, the quality of parent-child interactions, or researcher-administered measures of developmental skills. However, we found a positive effect on parent-rated infant communication skills. Ongoing follow-up of this infant cohort will assess longer-term developmental effects. FUNDING Western Australia Children's Research Fund, Autism Cooperative Research Centre, La Trobe University, and Angela Wright Bennett Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J O Whitehouse
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia.
| | - Kandice J Varcin
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Gail A Alvares
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Josephine Barbaro
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia; Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Catherine Bent
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Maryam Boutrus
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia; School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Lacey Chetcuti
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia; Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthew N Cooper
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Alena Clark
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Emma Davidson
- Child and Adolescent Health Service, Child Development Service, West Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Stefanie Dimov
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Cheryl Dissanayake
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia; Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Jane Doyle
- Child and Adolescent Health Service, Child Development Service, West Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Megan Grant
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Teresa Iacono
- La Trobe Rural Health School, Bendigo, VIC, Australia
| | - Murray Maybery
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Sarah Pillar
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Michelle Renton
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia; Child and Adolescent Health Service, Child Development Service, West Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Catherine Rowbottam
- Child and Adolescent Health Service, Child Development Service, West Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Nancy Sadka
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Leonie Segal
- Australian Centre for Precision Health, School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Vicky Slonims
- Children's Neurosciences, Evelina London Children's Hospital, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Carol Taylor
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Scott Wakeling
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Ming Wai Wan
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - John Wray
- Child and Adolescent Health Service, Child Development Service, West Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Jonathan Green
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Kristelle Hudry
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
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Wang J, Hedley D, Bury SM, Barbaro J. A systematic review of screening tools for the detection of autism spectrum disorder in mainland China and surrounding regions. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2019; 24:285-296. [PMID: 31431046 DOI: 10.1177/1362361319871174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Screening for autism spectrum disorder is the first step toward early detection and diagnosis, thereby impacting the likelihood of children accessing early intervention and, importantly, improving long-term outcomes. This systematic review aimed to (a) establish a clear baseline of autism spectrum disorder screening tools currently used throughout mainland China and surrounding regions, (b) identify the strengths and limitations of these instruments, and (c) develop specific recommendations regarding screening for autism spectrum disorder throughout Chinese-speaking countries. Databases were searched for recent (2015-2018) articles published in Chinese or English languages. Twenty-two studies (13 Chinese, 9 English) met inclusion criteria; two from Taiwan and the remainder from mainland China. Studies varied greatly in the extent of psychometric analyses and reported autism spectrum disorder prevalence. The majority of diagnoses were based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed. (DSM-IV) or 5th ed. (DSM-5)) criteria, although a small number of studies utilized gold-standard diagnostic assessment instruments. It is recommended that a systematic, multi-tiered, screening network be established to improve the identification of autism spectrum disorder in China and surrounding regions. Assessment and diagnosis need to be culturally appropriate, and amenable to low-resource settings. In addition, increased public awareness programs to reduce stigma will be important in improving outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Wang
- Yangzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital, P.R. China.,La Trobe University, Australia.,Harbin Children's Hospital, P.R. China
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44
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Lawson LP, Joshi R, Barbaro J, Dissanayake C. Gender Differences During Toddlerhood in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Prospective Community-Based Longitudinal Follow-Up Study. J Autism Dev Disord 2019; 48:2619-2628. [PMID: 29497988 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-018-3516-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Relatively few studies have examined gender differences in infants and toddlers, and most focus on clinically referred samples or high-risk infant cohorts. The current study aimed to examine gender differences in early autism manifestations and cognitive development in a community-ascertained sample. In total, 46 males and 21 females with ASD were seen at approximately 24 and 48 months of age. No significant gender differences were observed on overall cognitive ability, verbal skills, non-verbal skills, overall autism severity, or restricted repetitive behaviours. However, females were found to exhibit more social communication impairments than males. These findings may indicate that female toddlers with less severe or different, social communication impairments may be more likely to be missed during routine surveillance during toddlerhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren P Lawson
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University, Kingsbury Drive, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia.
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Rucha Joshi
- Autism Spectrum Australia, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Josephine Barbaro
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University, Kingsbury Drive, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Cheryl Dissanayake
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University, Kingsbury Drive, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
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45
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Sánchez-García AB, Galindo-Villardón P, Nieto-Librero AB, Martín-Rodero H, Robins DL. Toddler Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-Analysis of Diagnostic Accuracy. J Autism Dev Disord 2019; 49:1837-1852. [PMID: 30617550 PMCID: PMC6483963 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-018-03865-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Great efforts focus on early detection of autism spectrum disorder, although some scientists and policy-makers have questioned early universal screening. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the different screening tools. Several electronic databases were used to identify published studies. A Bayesian model was used to estimate the screening accuracy. The pooled sensitivity was 0.72 (95% CI 0.61–0.81), and the specificity was 0.98 (95% CI 0.97–0.99). Subgroup analyses to remove heterogeneity indicated sensitivity was 0.77 (95% CI 0.69–0.84), and specificity was 0.99 (95% CI 0.97–0.99; SD ≤ 0.01). Level 1 screening tools for ASD showed consistent statistically significant results and therefore are adequate to detect autism at 14–36 months.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ana B Nieto-Librero
- IBSAL-University of Salamanca, C/ Alfonso X El Sabio s/n, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Helena Martín-Rodero
- Medical School Library, University of Salamanca, C/ Alfonso X El Sabio s/n, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Diana L Robins
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, 3020 Market Street, Suite 560, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-3734, USA
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46
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The Feasibility and Validity of Autism Spectrum Disorder Screening Instrument: Behavior Development Screening for Toddlers (BeDevel)—A Pilot Study. Autism Res 2019; 12:1112-1128. [DOI: 10.1002/aur.2117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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47
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Macari SL, Wu GC, Powell KK, Fontenelle S, Macris DM, Chawarska K. Do Parents and Clinicians Agree on Ratings of Autism-Related Behaviors at 12 Months of Age? A Study of Infants at High and Low Risk for ASD. J Autism Dev Disord 2019; 48:1069-1080. [PMID: 29181689 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3410-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Given the emphasis on early screening for ASD, it is crucial to examine the concordance between parent report and clinician observation of autism-related behaviors. Similar items were compared from the First Year Inventory (Baranek et al. First-Year Inventory (FYI) 2.0. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, 2003), a parent screener for ASD, and the ADOS-2 Toddler Module (Lord et al. 2013), a standardized ASD diagnostic tool. Measures were administered concurrently to 12-month-olds at high and low risk for ASD. Results suggest that clinicians and parents rated behaviors similarly. In addition, both informants rated high-risk infants as more impaired in several social-communication behaviors. Furthermore, the format of questions impacted agreement across observers. These findings have implications for the development of a new generation of screening instruments for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne L Macari
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Grace C Wu
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kelly K Powell
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Scuddy Fontenelle
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Deanna M Macris
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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48
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Waddington H, van der Meer L, Sigafoos J. Supporting parents in the use of the early start Denver model as an intervention program for their young children with autism spectrum disorder. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2019; 67:23-36. [PMID: 34141396 PMCID: PMC7942780 DOI: 10.1080/20473869.2019.1585694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Parents are the logical intervention agents for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The early start Denver model (ESDM) is a promising early intervention approach for children with ASD that can be implemented by parents. This study evaluated the effects of training parents in the use of the ESDM. We used a non-concurrent multiple probe across participants design to evaluate the effects of providing five mothers of young children with ASD with one hour per week of training for 12 weeks. Outcome measures included mothers use of the ESDM techniques and measures of the children's levels of engagement and imitation, and expressive language skills. Maintenance of outcomes after one month was also assessed. Results showed four of the five mothers increased the percentage of ESDM techniques that they were using usually or consistently. Four of the five children showed some improvement on at least one of the child outcome measures. This suggests mixed results for supporting parents in the use of the ESDM. Implications and future research directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Waddington
- School of Education, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Larah van der Meer
- School of Education, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Jeff Sigafoos
- School of Education, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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Waddington H, van der Meer L, Sigafoos J, Ogilvie E. Evaluation of a low-intensity version of the early start Denver model with four preschool-aged boys with autism spectrum disorder. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2019; 66:257-269. [PMID: 34141388 PMCID: PMC7942523 DOI: 10.1080/20473869.2019.1569360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Data indicate that some developmentally and behaviorally based early intervention programs can lead to a range of improvements in children with autism spectrum disorder. However, many such programs call for a fairly intensive amount of intervention. The objective of this preliminary study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a low-intensity therapist delivered intervention for young children with autism spectrum disorder. METHODS The study evaluated the outcomes of 3 hours per week of therapist-delivered early start Denver model intervention (ESDM) over a 12-week period for four preschool-aged boys with autism spectrum disorder. The effects of intervention on communication, imitation, and engagement were evaluated using a non-concurrent multiple probe across participants design. RESULTS Following the intervention, all four children showed increases in imitation, engagement, and either functional utterances or intentional vocalizations. These results were maintained after 4 weeks and mostly generalized to each child's mother. CONCLUSION These preliminary results suggest that low-intensity therapist delivered ESDM intervention may be of some benefit to children with autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Waddington
- School of Education, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Larah van der Meer
- School of Education, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Jeff Sigafoos
- School of Education, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Emily Ogilvie
- School of Education, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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Dissanayake C, Searles J, Barbaro J, Sadka N, Lawson LP. Cognitive and behavioral differences in toddlers with autism spectrum disorder from multiplex and simplex families. Autism Res 2019; 12:682-693. [PMID: 30663862 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Prospective, longitudinal designs utilizing "high-risk" infant siblings of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD-sibs) have provided unique and valuable insights regarding the early ASD phenotype. However, it remains unclear whether these cases are representative of all children with ASD. The objective in the present study was to investigate whether the early development of toddlers with ASD from multiplex (MPX) families, who have an affected older sibling, is similar or different to toddlers with ASD from simplex (SPX) families, where there is no affected sibling. A further aim was to examine patterns of association between autism symptom severity and cognitive functioning within each group to inform possible mechanisms for group similarities/differences. Behavioral and cognitive assessment data from a sample of toddlers with ASD was utilized, comprising 45 MPX, 127 first-born SPX, and 72 later-born SPX toddlers. Participants in the MPX group had significantly higher developmental quotients on the Mullen Scales of Early Learning compared to those in the SPX groups, who did not differ from each other. However, all three groups were similar on their autism severity scores (measured using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule and the Autism Diagnostic Interview), and the pattern of relationships between cognitive ability and autism symptom severity. The results suggest that caution be exercised in generalizing findings from ASD-sib samples to other samples of children with ASD. The higher cognitive abilities in the MPX group, in addition to biological differences, may also be an outcome of family environmental factors, which deserves further investigation. Autism Research 2019, 12: 682-693. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: We sought to establish whether toddlers with autism from families where there is more than one affected child, called multiplex families, are different to children from simplex families, where there is only one affected child, and no other members within the immediate family with an autism diagnosis. We found that while toddlers from multiplex families were similar to those from simplex families in their autism symptoms, they were more developmentally advanced than children in the latter group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl Dissanayake
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne Campus, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - James Searles
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne Campus, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Josephine Barbaro
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne Campus, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nancy Sadka
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne Campus, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lauren P Lawson
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne Campus, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.,Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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