BACKGROUND: Developmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), are increasing in prevalence. Early identification is necessary for early intervention, which is critical for reducing challenges and lifetime costs, especially for ASDs. Because not all children have equal access to developmental and autism screening through primary care settings, nontraditional methods are needed to reach underserved populations. PURPOSE: In this proof-of-concept study, the 2-1-1 Los Angeles County Developmental Screening Project (2-1-1 LA Project) provided developmental and autism screening by telephone in a population of low-income and racially and ethnically diverse children. METHODS: Aggregate data were reviewed for 2845 children who were screened for developmental delays using the Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS) instrument and/or autism using the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) instrument between September 1, 2009, and October 31, 2011. RESULTS: Data analysis was conducted December 2011 through February 2012. A majority of children (56%) screened with the PEDS had a moderate to high risk of developmental delays, including 28.2% classified as high-risk, which indicates need for further evaluation. Among 1605 children screened with the M-CHAT, 21.2% had an elevated risk of ASDs. Follow-up care coordination was provided for 2625 children to facilitate completion of referrals for diagnostic evaluation, early childhood education, and other developmental or behavioral needs. CONCLUSIONS: The project's approach enhanced access to screenings and referral uptake in a population of children that may have difficulty accessing primary care. Findings suggest the potential of nontraditional developmental screening models.
BACKGROUND:Developmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), are increasing in prevalence. Early identification is necessary for early intervention, which is critical for reducing challenges and lifetime costs, especially for ASDs. Because not all children have equal access to developmental and autism screening through primary care settings, nontraditional methods are needed to reach underserved populations. PURPOSE: In this proof-of-concept study, the 2-1-1 Los Angeles County Developmental Screening Project (2-1-1 LA Project) provided developmental and autism screening by telephone in a population of low-income and racially and ethnically diverse children. METHODS: Aggregate data were reviewed for 2845 children who were screened for developmental delays using the Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS) instrument and/or autism using the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) instrument between September 1, 2009, and October 31, 2011. RESULTS: Data analysis was conducted December 2011 through February 2012. A majority of children (56%) screened with the PEDS had a moderate to high risk of developmental delays, including 28.2% classified as high-risk, which indicates need for further evaluation. Among 1605 children screened with the M-CHAT, 21.2% had an elevated risk of ASDs. Follow-up care coordination was provided for 2625 children to facilitate completion of referrals for diagnostic evaluation, early childhood education, and other developmental or behavioral needs. CONCLUSIONS: The project's approach enhanced access to screenings and referral uptake in a population of children that may have difficulty accessing primary care. Findings suggest the potential of nontraditional developmental screening models.
Authors: Maureen S Durkin; Matthew J Maenner; F John Meaney; Susan E Levy; Carolyn DiGuiseppi; Joyce S Nicholas; Russell S Kirby; Jennifer A Pinto-Martin; Laura A Schieve Journal: PLoS One Date: 2010-07-12 Impact factor: 3.240
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Authors: Matthew W Kreuter; Timothy D McBride; Charlene A Caburnay; Timothy Poor; Vetta L Sanders Thompson; Kassandra I Alcaraz; Katherine S Eddens; Suchitra Rath; Hannah Perkins; Christopher Casey Journal: Milbank Q Date: 2014-03 Impact factor: 4.911
Authors: Tess Thompson; Anne M Roux; Patricia L Kohl; Sonia Boyum; Matthew W Kreuter Journal: J Child Health Care Date: 2018-05-22 Impact factor: 1.979
Authors: Kara L Hall; Brooke A Stipelman; Katherine S Eddens; Matthew W Kreuter; Sherry I Bame; Helen I Meissner; K Robin Yabroff; Jason Q Purnell; Rebecca Ferrer; Kurt M Ribisl; Russell Glasgow; Laura A Linnan; Stephen Taplin; Maria E Fernández Journal: Am J Prev Med Date: 2012-12 Impact factor: 5.043
Authors: Matthew W Kreuter; Katherine S Eddens; Kassandra I Alcaraz; Suchitra Rath; Choi Lai; Nikki Caito; Regina Greer; Nikisha Bridges; Jason Q Purnell; Anjanette Wells; Qiang Fu; Colleen Walsh; Erin Eckstein; Julia Griffith; Alissa Nelson; Cicely Paine; Tiffany Aziz; Anne M Roux Journal: Am J Prev Med Date: 2012-12 Impact factor: 5.043