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Updated: Sep 2, 2025

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published on: April 22, 2015
[Challenges and Influencial Factors in Autism-Specific Diagnostics in Toddlers]
Birgit Kloidt1, Lisa Blatz1, Marion Flemming2
1Medizinische Fakultät und Uniklinik Köln, Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Köln, Universität zu Köln, Deutschland.
Insights
Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in toddlers is challenging due to comorbidities and setting difficulties. A follow-up examination after therapy initiation over 6-9 months is often necessary for accurate diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Context:
- Early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in toddlers presents unique clinical challenges.
- Interdisciplinary teams face difficulties in routine outpatient diagnostics for very young children.
- The study addresses the complexities of diagnosing ASD in toddlers aged 2-3 years.
Purpose:
- To identify specific challenges in the early clinical diagnosis of ASD in toddlers.
- To explore recommendations for improving diagnostic practices for young children with suspected ASD.
- To understand the factors influencing reliable ASD classification in early childhood.
Summary:
- An interdisciplinary team evaluated 31 toddlers (2-3 years) twice over 6-9 months for suspected ASD, supplemented by an expert online survey.
- Initial interviews resulted in a differential ASD diagnosis for 26% of toddlers, with comorbidities, family factors, and examination setting posing diagnostic hurdles.
- A definitive ASD diagnosis often requires a follow-up assessment after a 6-9 month period of therapy and potential environmental or care adjustments.
Impact:
- Highlights the need for longitudinal assessment in toddler ASD diagnostics.
- Suggests that therapeutic interventions and environmental changes can facilitate clearer diagnostic outcomes.
- Informs clinical practice regarding the timing and criteria for diagnosing ASD in toddlers.
Abstract:
Challenges and Influencial Factors in Autism-Specific Diagnostics in Toddlers Abstract. Objective: What are the particular challenges that make early diagnosis of young children difficult in the clinical routine? What recommendations can be derived from this in practice? Methods: Our interdisciplinary social pediatric team examined 31 toddlers aged 2 to 3 years twice in intervals of 6-9 months in the for outpatient diagnostics regarding suspected autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In addition, we conducted an online survey with further experts. Results: After the first anamnestic interview, 8 of the 31 (26 %) children were diagnosed with a differential diagnosis of ASD. Comorbid disorders, familial peculiarities, and challenges posed by the examination setting and anamnesis made a reliable clinical classification difficult. Conclusion: In our experience, many toddlers can only receive a valid diagnosis after a follow-up examination after starting one or more therapies and regularly carrying out these therapies over a period of 6-9 months and possibly also after structural changes have taken place (care in nursery, implementation of youth welfare measures, or similar).
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