Study Looks at Early Screening and Autism Diagnosis

A study published in the August 2020 Pediatrics (published online July 6) examined how often children in 20 pediatric clinics were screened for autism at their 18- and 24-month checkups, as recommended. The study, “Primary Care Autism Screening and Later Autism Diagnosis,” found that 73% of toddlers were screened for Autism Spectrum Disorder during an analysis of records between 2013 and 2016. Only half of children were screened at both the 18- and 24-month visits. The study found Hispanic children were least likely to be screened and that family physicians were less likely to screen. Compared with children who were not screened or had negative screens, children who screened positive were more likely to be diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and were diagnosed earlier. Study authors conclude that further advocacy and education are needed to encourage screening and to reduce disparities.

Editor’s Note: A solicited commentary, “Identifying Autism Spectrum Disorder in Real-World Healthcare Settings” will also be published.

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.