Multistage screening process for neurodevelopmental disorders in siblings of children with autism: the FRATSA
Amaria Baghdadli1,2,3, Lee Audras-Torrent4, Cécile Rattaz4
1Centre de Ressource Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon et Centre d'excellence sur l'autisme et les troubles neurodeveloppementaux, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France rech-clinique-autisme@chu-montpellier.fr.
Insights
This study evaluates a two-stage screening process for neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The goal is to determine if this method is feasible and acceptable for early detection and intervention.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
- Sibling Developmental Health
Background:
- Siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have elevated rates of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs).
- Early detection and monitoring of NDDs in this high-risk group are crucial for timely intervention.
- Current screening processes may not be optimized for large-scale application in this specific population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of a standardized, multi-stage screening process for NDDs in siblings of children with ASD.
- To evaluate the acceptability of this screening method among parents and siblings.
- To establish the efficacy of a web-based, multi-stage screening protocol for identifying NDDs in siblings of children with ASD.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving 384 siblings of children with confirmed ASD.
- Stage 1: Online parental questionnaires (e.g., Social Responsiveness Scale, DCDQ) via a web platform.
- Stage 2: Clinical semi-structured interview with a psychologist for positive Stage 1 results, followed by referral if necessary.
Main Results:
- The study aims to determine the feasibility and acceptability of the proposed screening process.
- Data on diagnostic outcomes and parental satisfaction will be collected approximately 12 months post-Stage 2.
- The sample size of 384 subjects is calculated to estimate participation rates with 5% accuracy, assuming a 50% participation rate.
Conclusions:
- The findings will inform the development of effective NDD screening strategies for siblings of children with ASD.
- Successful implementation could lead to earlier identification and intervention for NDDs in this vulnerable group.
- This research contributes to improving developmental monitoring and support for families affected by ASD.
Introduction:
The elevated rates of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) among siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) raise concerns about their developmental monitoring and development. The main aim of this study is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a standardised screening process on a large sample of siblings.
Methods And Analysis:
This prospective study will assess the feasibility of a selective and multi-stage screening process for NDD performed on 384 siblings of children with confirmed ASD. Stage 1 will consist of the screening of NDD performed using online parental questionnaires (Social Responsiveness Scale, IdentiDys scale, DCDQ, parental concerns) through a web platform. In cases of a positive result, the second stage, consisting of a clinical semi-structured interview with a psychologist, will be proposed to the sibling before referral for diagnosis and treatment, if necessary. Approximately 12 months after stage 2, parents will be contacted by telephone to collect the diagnosis established following the referrals and their level of satisfaction concerning the screening process. Based on an expected participation rate of 50%, to estimate this rate with an accuracy of 5%, it is necessary to screen 384 subjects.
Ethics And Dissemination:
The Ethics Committee on the Research of Human Subjects of Paris (Ile de France VII) approved this study in March 2022 (number: 2021-A02241-40). Express consent is required from all participants. Findings from the cohort study will be disseminated by publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts, presentations at scientific meetings and conferences with associated teams.
Trial Registration Number:
NCT05512637.
