Autism spectrum disorder: evaluation of community-based screening program

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Developmental Neuroscience
• Public Health

Background:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a growing global concern.
• Early identification and intervention are critical for managing ASD.
• Screening programs play a vital role in early detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) screenings.
• To analyze ASD prevalence in a specific region of İstanbul.
• To assess screening data from 2018 to 2023.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive study of 25,839 children aged 18-36 months.
• Utilized a 5-question screening tool for typical ASD symptoms.
• Children answering 'yes' to any question were referred for child psychiatry evaluation.

Main Results:

• A total of 25,839 children were screened; 1449 were at risk, and 88 were diagnosed with ASD.
• The 5-year prevalence of ASD was 0.9%, with a male:female ratio of 3.6:1.
• Screening rates and diagnoses decreased during the 2020-2021 pandemic; delayed speech and poor eye contact were most common symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Increased screening and family awareness are essential for recognizing ASD.
• Early diagnosis of ASD is vital for developmental outcomes.
• This study provides insights for future research on ASD prevalence and screening.