Screening of Egyptian toddlers for autism spectrum disorder using an Arabic validated version of M-CHAT; report of a community-based study (Stage I)

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 ◽  
pp. 43-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
F.E. Mohamed ◽  
E.A. Zaky ◽  
A. Youssef ◽  
R. Elhossiny ◽  
S. Zahra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Screening Tool ◽  
Delayed Diagnosis ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Stage I ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Early Screening ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Cross Sectional

AbstractBackgroundAlthough there is a recommendation that toddlers be screened for Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during their 18- and 24-month well-care child visits, diagnosis often occurs well after the child turns 4 years old. Such delayed diagnosis hinders the implementation of early intervention thus worsens the long-term prognosis of ASD.ObjectivesThe current community-based study in its stage I aimed at early screening of Egyptian toddlers for ASD using an Arabic validated version of Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT).MethodologyA cross-sectional community-based descriptive study was carried out enrolling 5546 Egyptian toddlers. They were randomly recruited from those attending Primary Health Care Units in six Egyptian governorates with a fair representation of the urban, semi-urban, and rural Egyptian populations. An Arabic validated version of M-CHAT was used as a screening tool for ASD.ResultsThe current study revealed failure of M-CHAT (suspected to have ASD and needs further evaluation) in 1320 out of the enrolled 5546 Egyptian toddlers (23.8%).ConclusionsM-CHAT as a screening tool for ASD has flagged a considerable percent of the enrolled toddlers that necessitates referral for further evaluation (stage II) to settle the diagnosis of ASD in the true positive cases. Perfecting the delicate balance between sensitivity and specificity for ASD screening tools is crucial in order not to miss early detection of ASD cases and at the same time, to avoid over-diagnosis with subsequent abuse of the limited healthcare resources in developing countries.

scholarly journals Information and Communication Technologies to Support Early Screening of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review

Children ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 93
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Desideri ◽  
Patricia Pérez-Fuster ◽  
Gerardo Herrera
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Digital Libraries ◽  
English Language ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Early Screening

The aim of this systematic review is to identify recent digital technologies used to detect early signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in preschool children (i.e., up to six years of age). A systematic literature search was performed for English language articles and conference papers indexed in Pubmed, PsycInfo, ERIC, CINAHL, WoS, IEEE, and ACM digital libraries up until January 2020. A follow-up search was conducted to cover the literature published until December 2020 for the usefulness and interest in this area of research during the Covid-19 emergency. In total, 2427 articles were initially retrieved from databases search. Additional 481 articles were retrieved from follow-up search. Finally, 28 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The studies included involved four main interface modalities: Natural User Interface (e.g., eye trackers), PC or mobile, Wearable, and Robotics. Most of the papers included (n = 20) involved the use of Level 1 screening tools. Notwithstanding the variability of the solutions identified, psychometric information points to considering available technologies as promising supports in clinical practice to detect early sign of ASD in young children. Further research is needed to understand the acceptability and increase use rates of technology-based screenings in clinical settings.

scholarly journals The Early Screening for Autism and Communication Disorders: Field-testing an autism-specific screening tool for children 12 to 36 months of age

Autism ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 136236132110125
Author(s):  
Amy M Wetherby ◽  
Whitney Guthrie ◽  
Jessica L Hooker ◽  
Abigail Delehanty ◽  
Taylor N Day ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Screening Tool ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Field Testing ◽  
Communication Disorders ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Early Screening ◽  
Very Young Children

There is a critical need for validated screening tools for autism spectrum disorder in very young children so families can access tailored intervention services as early as possible. Few screeners exist for children between the recommended screening ages of 18–24 months. This study examined the utility of a new autism-specific parent-report screening tool, the Early Screening for Autism and Communication Disorders for children 12–36 months. Field-testing was conducted from five sites with 471 children screened for communication delays in primary care or referred for familial risk or concern for autism spectrum disorder. The Early Screening for Autism and Communication Disorders was evaluated in three age groups: 12–17, 18–23, and 24–36 months. A best-estimate diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay, or typical development was made. Receiver operating characteristic curves were examined for all 46 items and the 30 items that best discriminated autism spectrum disorder from the non-spectrum groups. Area under the curve estimates for the total were greater than 0.90 across age groups. Cutoffs were established for each age group with sensitivity between 0.86 and 0.92 and specificity between 0.74 and 0.85. Results provide preliminary support for the validity of the Early Screening for Autism and Communication Disorders as an autism-specific screener in children 12–36 months with elevated risk of communication delay or autism spectrum disorder. Lay abstract There is a critical need for accurate screening tools for autism spectrum disorder in very young children so families can access tailored intervention services as early as possible. However, there are few screeners designed for children 18–24 months. Developing screeners that pick up on the signs of autism spectrum disorder in very young children has proved even more challenging. In this study, we examined a new autism-specific parent-report screening tool, the Early Screening for Autism and Communication Disorders for children between 12 and 36 months of age. Field-testing was done in five sites with 471 children screened for communication delays in primary care or referred for familial risk or concern for autism spectrum disorder. The Early Screening for Autism and Communication Disorders was tested in three age groups: 12–17, 18–23, and 24–36 months. A best-estimate diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay, or typical development was made. Analyses examined all 46 items and identified 30 items that best discriminated autism spectrum disorder from the non-spectrum groups. Cutoffs were established for each age group with good sensitivity and specificity. Results provide preliminary support for the accuracy of the Early Screening for Autism and Communication Disorders as an autism-specific screener in children 12–36 months with elevated risk of communication delay or autism spectrum disorder.

Improving the early screening procedure for autism spectrum disorder in young children: Experience from a community‐based model in shanghai

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 1206-1217 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chunyang Li ◽  
Guowei Zhu ◽  
Jingjing Feng ◽  
Qiong Xu ◽  
Zhaoe Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Screening Procedure ◽  
Early Screening ◽  
Community Based

scholarly journals General paediatric practice in autism spectrum disorder screening in Ontario, Canada: Opportunities for improvement

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angie Ip ◽  
Annie Dupuis ◽  
Evdokia Anagnostou ◽  
Alvin Loh ◽  
Tyler Dodds ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Early Identification ◽  
Screening Tool ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Developmental Screening ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Access To Resources ◽  
Paediatric Practice

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.

scholarly journals Implication of the Sensory Environment in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Perspectives from School

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 7670
Author(s):  
Ana Gentil-Gutiérrez ◽  
José Luis Cuesta-Gómez ◽  
Paula Rodríguez-Fernández ◽  
Jerónimo Javier González-Bernal
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Sensory Processing ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Sensory Profile ◽  
School Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sensory Stimuli ◽  
Children With Asd

(1) Background: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) frequently have difficulties in processing sensory information, which is a limitation when participating in different contexts, such as school. The objective of the present study was to compare the sensory processing characteristics of children with ASD in the natural context of school through the perception of professionals in the field of education, in comparison with neurodevelopmental children (2) Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study as conducted with study population consisting of children between three and ten years old, 36 of whom were diagnosed with ASD and attended the Autismo Burgos association; the remaining 24 had neurotypical development. The degree of response of the children to sensory stimuli at school was evaluated using the Sensory Profile-2 (SP-2) questionnaire in its school version, answered by the teachers. (3) Results: Statistically significant differences were found in sensory processing patterns (p = 0.001), in sensory systems (p = 0.001) and in school factors (p = 0.001). Children with ASD who obtained worse results. (4) Conclusions: Children with ASD are prone to present sensory alterations in different contexts, giving nonadapted behavioral and learning responses.

Interagency collaboration for pediatric autism spectrum disorder: Perspectives of community-based providers

2021 ◽  
pp. 100433
Author(s):  
Gazi Azad ◽  
Maryellen Brunson McClain ◽  
Cassity Haverkamp ◽  
Barbara Maxwell ◽  
Jeffrey D. Shahidullah
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Interagency Collaboration ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Community Based

scholarly journals Parental evaluation of a revised autism spectrum disorder diagnostic process for children under 36 months of age

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-François Lemay ◽  
Shauna Langenberger ◽  
Scott McLeod
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Early Intervention ◽  
Parent Education ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Diagnostic Process ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Level

Abstract Background The Alberta Children’s Hospital-Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Clinic (ACH-ASDC) was restructured due to long wait times and unsustainable clinic workflow. Major changes included the initiation of pre- and post-ASD parent education sessions and distinct ASD screening appointments before the ASD diagnostic appointment. Methods We conducted a parental program evaluation in summer 2018 of the ACH-ASDC. We used a cross-sectional survey to evaluate key outcomes including parental satisfaction, and the percentage of families obtaining access to government supports and early intervention programs. Results For the 101 eligible patients diagnosed with ASD under 36 months of age 70 (69.3%) parents agreed to participate. The mean diagnostic age of the children diagnosed with ASD was 30.6 months (SD=4.1 months). There were no statistically significant age differences between biological sexes. Ninety-three per cent of parents felt that ASD educational sessions were useful, and 92% of parents were satisfied to very satisfied with the overall ASD diagnostic process. Ninety per cent of parents had access to at least one of the key resources available for ASD early intervention in our province following diagnosis. Parents reported a positive impact on intervention provided to their child in the areas of communication, social interaction, and behaviour. Conclusion Parents of children diagnosed with ASD expressed a high level of satisfaction with the restructured ACH-ASDC process. Implementing parent education sessions was well received and met parents’ needs. Parents were able to access intervention services following diagnosis and reported positive impacts for their child. Re-envisioning program approaches to incorporate novel strategies to support families should be encouraged.

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