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Detection of Early Warning Signs in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review
José María Salgado-Cacho1,2,3, María Del Pilar Moreno-Jiménez3, Yolanda de Diego-Otero1,4,5
1Institute of Biomedical Research of Málaga (IBIMA), 29010 Malaga, Spain.
Insights
Early autism screening is crucial. The Infant-Toddler Checklist/Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales Developmental Profile (ITC/CSBS-DP) and Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised/Revised with Follow-Up (M-CHAT-R/F) show promise for early detection.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Child Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) prevalence is rising globally.
- Early detection and intervention are vital for improving developmental outcomes in children.
- Existing screening tools vary in effectiveness and age appropriateness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and identify effective early screening instruments for autism spectrum disorders.
- To determine which instruments can identify the maximum number of autism cases at an early age.
- To inform strategies for improving early ASD detection within healthcare systems.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of screening instruments for autism.
- Evaluation of predictive properties of identified instruments.
- Analysis of instruments applicable from 12 months of age in Western countries.
Main Results:
- Several instruments demonstrated adequate predictive properties, including APSI, BDI-2, BITSEA, FYI, ITC/CSBS-DP, PREAUT-Grid, CESDD, SACS, and STAT.
- The ITC/CSBS-DP is proposed for universal screening from 12 months.
- The M-CHAT-R/F is recommended for use from 15 months, complementing the ITC/CSBS-DP.
Conclusions:
- A combined screening strategy using ITC/CSBS-DP and M-CHAT-R/F can enhance early autism detection.
- Improved early detection facilitates timely intervention, positively impacting developmental trajectories.
- This approach can be integrated into existing healthcare systems to support at-risk children.
Abstract:
Due to the exponential increase of autism spectrum disorders' prevalence in Western countries, it is necessary to improve early detection and intervention to enhance developmental milestones. This systematic review identified the most effective screening instrument, which can be used at an early age and which identifies the maximum number of autism cases. We identified several instruments with adequate predictive properties-the Autism Parent Screen for Infants (APSI), Battelle Development Inventory, second edition (BDI-2); Brief Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment (BITSEA); First Year Inventory (FYI); Infant-Toddler Checklist/Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales Developmental Profile (ITC/CSBS-DP); Program of Research and Studies on AUTISM (PREAUT-Grid); Checklist for Early Signs of Developmental Disorders (CESDD); Social Attention and Communication Study (SACS); and the Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers and Young Children (STAT)-that can be applied from 12 months of age in Western countries. The ITC/CSBS-DP has been proposed for universal screening from 12 months of age onwards, complemented by the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised/Revised with Follow-Up (M-CHAT-R/F), which can be used from 15 months of age onwards. This strategy could improve early detection in at-risk children within the current health system, thus allowing for early intervention.
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