Implementation of Web-Based Autism Screening in an Urban Clinic
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Published on: March 14, 2018
Bianca A Brooks1, Kiauhna Haynes1, Joy Smith2
1Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Insights
Web-based screening for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using the M-CHAT-R in urban clinics increased monthly screenings by 58.5% and improved follow-up rates. This approach is feasible for underserved populations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Developmental Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Early screening for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is crucial for timely intervention.
- The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised (M-CHAT-R) is a validated screening tool.
- Web-based administration of screening tools is being explored to improve efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the implementation and effectiveness of a web-based M-CHAT-R in an urban pediatric clinic.
- To assess the impact of web-based screening on screening volume and follow-up rates.
- To evaluate the feasibility of web-based ASD screening in underserved populations.
Main Methods:
- A web-based M-CHAT-R was implemented in an urban pediatric clinic in Atlanta, Georgia.
- 2557 toddlers (mean age 22.43 months) were screened during well-child visits.
- Screening data from the web-based modality were compared to traditional methods.
Main Results:
- The web-based M-CHAT-R increased monthly screenings by 58.5%.
- Similar proportions of toddlers screened positive across both modalities (P = .43).
- Significantly fewer children had missing follow-up data with the web-based administration (P < .001).
Conclusions:
- Web-based ASD screening is feasible and effective in urban, underserved pediatric settings.
- This digital approach enhances screening efficiency and data completeness.
- Further research is needed to identify facilitators for widespread implementation of web-based ASD screening.
Abstract:
Screening toddlers for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised (M-CHAT-R) has been shown to lower age of diagnosis by 2 years. In order to streamline ASD screening, research is exploring the use of web-based screening during well-child checkups. The current study examined implementation of the web-based M-CHAT-R in an urban pediatric clinic in Atlanta, Georgia. Toddlers (N = 2557; 87% African American) were screened during well-child visits (Mage = 22.43 months, SD = 3.65). Using the web-based version resulted in a 58.5% increase in the number of cases screened per month. A similar proportion of toddlers in each modality screened positive (P = .43), but significantly fewer children were missing "Follow-up" in the web-based administration (P < .001). These results suggest that it is feasible to implement web-based screening in underserved populations. Future research is necessary to understand factors that facilitate successful implementation of web-based ASD screening.
