Angie Ip1,2, Annie Dupuis3,4, Evdokia Anagnostou1,5, Alvin Loh5,6, Tyler Dodds1, Adriana Munoz1, Sharon Smile1,5. 1. Bloorview Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario. 2. Division of Developmental Paediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia. 3. Clinical Research Services, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario. 4. Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario. 5. Division of Developmental Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario. 6. Surrey Place Centre, Toronto, Ontario.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Screening is important for early identification of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), potentially leading to earlier intervention. Research has identified some barriers to early identification of ASD, however, information about ASD screening in Canadian general paediatric practice is lacking. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to better understand ASD screening practice patterns by examining the use of ASD and general developmental screening tools by general paediatricians. METHODS: The research team conducted a cross-sectional survey of general paediatricians. RESULTS: Two-hundred and sixty-seven paediatricians responded and 132 were eligible for the study. Ninety-three per cent of the responders used a developmental screening tool. Eighty-five per cent of the responders used an ASD screening tool when there were concerns for ASD, and 15% never used one. The most commonly used ASD screening tool was the M-CHAT. Children suspected of having ASD were referred to specialists not only to confirm the diagnosis but also to facilitate access to resources. General paediatricians were keen to incorporate formal ASD screening tools in their practice but identified the need for clearer guidelines. CONCLUSION: Previous studies have shown that children at risk of ASD continue to be missed through developmental surveillance and targeted screening. Paediatricians are interested in implementing an ASD screening tool and cite brevity and forms that can be completed by parents as factors that would support the use of a screening tool. Clearer guidelines and tools to support ASD screening and access to resources are needed.
BACKGROUND: Screening is important for early identification of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), potentially leading to earlier intervention. Research has identified some barriers to early identification of ASD, however, information about ASD screening in Canadian general paediatric practice is lacking. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to better understand ASD screening practice patterns by examining the use of ASD and general developmental screening tools by general paediatricians. METHODS: The research team conducted a cross-sectional survey of general paediatricians. RESULTS: Two-hundred and sixty-seven paediatricians responded and 132 were eligible for the study. Ninety-three per cent of the responders used a developmental screening tool. Eighty-five per cent of the responders used an ASD screening tool when there were concerns for ASD, and 15% never used one. The most commonly used ASD screening tool was the M-CHAT. Children suspected of having ASD were referred to specialists not only to confirm the diagnosis but also to facilitate access to resources. General paediatricians were keen to incorporate formal ASD screening tools in their practice but identified the need for clearer guidelines. CONCLUSION: Previous studies have shown that children at risk of ASD continue to be missed through developmental surveillance and targeted screening. Paediatricians are interested in implementing an ASD screening tool and cite brevity and forms that can be completed by parents as factors that would support the use of a screening tool. Clearer guidelines and tools to support ASD screening and access to resources are needed.
Authors: Jon Baio; Lisa Wiggins; Deborah L Christensen; Matthew J Maenner; Julie Daniels; Zachary Warren; Margaret Kurzius-Spencer; Walter Zahorodny; Cordelia Robinson Rosenberg; Tiffany White; Maureen S Durkin; Pamela Imm; Loizos Nikolaou; Marshalyn Yeargin-Allsopp; Li-Ching Lee; Rebecca Harrington; Maya Lopez; Robert T Fitzgerald; Amy Hewitt; Sydney Pettygrove; John N Constantino; Alison Vehorn; Josephine Shenouda; Jennifer Hall-Lande; Kim Van Naarden Braun; Nicole F Dowling Journal: MMWR Surveill Summ Date: 2018-04-27
Authors: Melanie Penner; Gillian A King; Laura Hartman; Evdokia Anagnostou; Michelle Shouldice; Charlotte Moore Hepburn Journal: J Dev Behav Pediatr Date: 2017-10 Impact factor: 2.225