Autism and General Developmental Screening Practices Among Primary Care Providers

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Healthcare
• Developmental Pediatrics
• Autism Spectrum Disorder Screening

Background:

• Standardized screening tools enhance early autism identification accuracy.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends developmental screening at 9, 18, 24/30-month well-child visits (WCVs) and autism screening at 18 and 24-month WCVs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the adoption of AAP screening guidelines by primary care providers (PCPs).
• To identify provider-level factors influencing autism screening practices.

Main Methods:

• Data from 94 PCPs (79% pediatricians) across 13 states were analyzed before autism training.
• Chart reviews of 9-, 18-, and 24-month WCVs assessed screening tool administration.

Main Results:

• Developmental screening occurred at 64% of 9-month and 62% of 18-month WCVs.
• Autism screening occurred at 51% of 18-month and 41% of 24-month WCVs.
• Screening varied by provider type, self-efficacy, and prior autism training.

Conclusions:

• Consistent administration of developmental and autism screenings is lacking in primary care.
• Provider self-efficacy and prior training are linked to increased autism screening rates.
• Enhanced training and information dissemination are needed for PCPs regarding screening implementation.