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Identifying autism early: The Toddlers at Risk of Autism Clinic model
Tessa Davis1, Deirdre Clifton1, Con Papadopoulos1
1Kogarah Developmental Assessment Service, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Insights
The Toddlers at Risk of Autism Clinic (TRAC) effectively diagnoses autism in young children using play-based assessments like the Social Attention and Communication Study (SACS) and Autism Detection in Early Childhood (ADEC). Most toddlers diagnosed with autism at TRAC maintained their diagnosis upon follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
Background:
- Early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is crucial for timely intervention and improved outcomes.
- The Toddlers at Risk of Autism Clinic (TRAC) was established to provide specialized diagnostic services for young children.
- Play-based assessments are increasingly recognized as valuable tools for evaluating developmental disorders in toddlers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the operational model of the Toddlers at Risk of Autism Clinic (TRAC).
- To evaluate the utility of the Social Attention and Communication Study (SACS) and Autism Detection in Early Childhood (ADEC) play-based assessments in early autism diagnosis.
- To assess the diagnostic outcomes and stability of autism diagnoses in toddlers evaluated at TRAC.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective audit of 42 children assessed over a 3-year period at TRAC.
- Utilized semi-structured interviews and play-based assessments (SACS and ADEC) by experienced clinicians.
- Analyzed assessment tools, diagnostic outcomes, and diagnostic stability during routine follow-up.
Main Results:
- 35 boys and 7 girls were assessed, with a mean age of 25 months.
- The average waiting time for the clinic was 11.6 weeks.
- 25 children were diagnosed with autism, with 90.5% retaining their diagnosis at follow-up. Of 17 not diagnosed, one was later diagnosed with autism.
Conclusions:
- Experienced clinicians can effectively use SACS and/or ADEC play-based assessments to aid in the diagnosis of autism in toddlers.
- The TRAC model demonstrates high diagnostic stability for autism in toddlers.
- Early diagnostic services utilizing play-based assessments are vital for identifying autism in at-risk populations.
Aim:
This paper describes the Toddlers at Risk of Autism Clinic (TRAC), which utilises the Social Attention and Communication Study (SACS) and/or Autism Detection in Early Childhood (ADEC) play-based assessments to facilitate the early diagnosis of autism.
Methods:
A retrospective audit was conducted of all 42 children assessed over a 3-year period in the TRAC. A semi-structured interview and play-based assessment (SACS and ADEC) were used to aid experienced clinicians in diagnosing autism. Intervention was recommended, and families were routinely followed up. Analysis was conducted on the tools used, the outcomes of assessment, diagnosis and stability of diagnosis on follow-up.
Results:
During this period, 35 boys and 7 girls were assessed, with a mean age of 25 months. The average waiting time for clinic was 11.6 weeks. Twenty-five patients were diagnosed with autism; 90.5% of toddlers given an initial diagnosis retained that diagnosis at follow-up. Out of the 17 children who were not diagnosed with autism in the TRAC, one child was later diagnosed with autism.
Conclusion:
Experienced clinicians can use the SACS and/or ADEC to assist with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual diagnosis of autism in toddlers.
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