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Pediatric healthcare professionals' views on autism spectrum disorder screening at 12-18 months
Elizabeth R Crais1, Cara S McComish, Betsy P Humphreys
1Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of North Carolina, CB 7190, 3126 Bondurant Hall, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7190, USA, bcrais@med.unc.edu.
Insights
Pediatric healthcare professionals in North Carolina seek improved tools and training for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) screening in infants. They identified needs for clear red flags, culturally sensitive methods, and better intervention systems.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Healthcare
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
Background:
- Early screening for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is crucial for timely intervention.
- Pediatric healthcare professionals (PHPs) are at the forefront of identifying developmental concerns in infants.
- Understanding PHP perspectives is vital for effective ASD screening tool implementation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore North Carolina PHPs' perceptions regarding screening 12-18-month-old infants for ASD.
- To identify barriers and facilitators influencing the use of ASD screening tools in clinical practice.
- To inform the development and refinement of ASD screening strategies for pediatric settings.
Main Methods:
- Conducted eight focus groups with 66 pediatric healthcare professionals across various practice settings.
- Utilized qualitative data collection to gather in-depth perspectives on ASD screening.
- Focused on professionals serving infants aged 12-18 months.
Main Results:
- PHPs expressed concerns and identified barriers to early ASD screening.
- Key needs include clear "red flags" for ASD in 12-18-month-olds.
- Professionals require socioculturally sensitive tools, effective interventions, referral system support, and continuing education.
Conclusions:
- PHPs are receptive to early ASD screening but require enhanced resources and support.
- Development of user-friendly, culturally appropriate screening tools is essential.
- Systemic improvements, including training and referral pathways, are necessary to optimize early ASD detection and care.
Abstract:
This study explored North Carolina pediatric healthcare professional's (PHP) perceptions of screening 12-18 month old infants for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Eight focus groups (66 PHPs) were conducted across practice settings. The purpose was to explore PHP's perspectives to: inform development of ASD screening tools and ultimately impact their use in PHP settings. PHPs reported concerns, barriers, and the need for research to support early ASD screening. Additionally, they expressed the need for: (a) clear "red flags" of ASD for 12-18 month olds; (b) socioculturally sensitive and effective screening tools; (c) effective early interventions; (d) systems to handle potential increases in referrals; and (e) continuing education. PHPs also demonstrated preferences about screening tool characteristics and processes for enhancing screening efforts.
