![]() ![]() AI is particularly useful for identifying patterns within data, and it therefore can be advantageous in identifying markers associated with an ASD diagnosis. Researchers have long looked to sensor-based technologies, many employing AI algorithms, to screen for children with ASD. ![]() Many have comorbidities that include seizures, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorders, sleep disorders, speech delay, and others. Most importantly, although these tools help with diagnosis, ASD is a clinical diagnosis best rendered by clinicians with the training and expertise to do so.Ĭhildren affected with ASD are a heterogeneous group, with varying degrees of functional limitations. 9 Many developmental pediatricians and child psychologists utilize their own screening methods rather than performing a full ADOS or ADI-R, sometimes using such screening tools as the Social Responsive Scale and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale. The ADOS is an observational play and activity assessment that takes up to an hour to complete, while the ADI-R is a 93-point questionnaire that may take several hours to complete. The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) test and/or the Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R) can also be used to evaluate for a suspected diagnosis. Many use a chart similar to the Figure as an intake screening form before proceeding with a diagnostic evaluation. This recharacterization and simplification of the elements needed for ASD diagnosis has facilitated its diagnosis by specialists. To meet ASD criteria, a child must have 3 of 3 symptoms relating to social communication and interaction, plus 2 of 4 symptoms relating to repetitive or restricted behaviors ( Figure). The DSM-5 consolidated previous categories of ASD into 1. The AAP recommends referral for a diagnostic evaluation when children screen positive or if the pediatrician is suspicious of the diagnosis. Pediatricians often use M-CHAT-R/F at ages 18 months and 24 months it queries parents regarding their child’s perception of others, use of gestures, and interactive eye contact, as well as vocal communication and their ability to interact with parents and children. Many tools are available to screen for ASD, including the Ages and Stages Questionnaires, the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales, the Parents Evaluation of Developmental Status, the Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers and Young Children, and the aforementioned M-CHAT-R/F ( Table). ![]() 7 Lastly, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant delays in evaluations. For instance, it has been shown that the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers – Revised with Follow-up (M-CHAT-R/F) has a sensitivity as low as 39% in detecting children with ASD. 5,6 The screening tools themselves present challenges. In one study, for example, only two-thirds of those who failed screening were referred for a diagnostic ASD evaluation. Also, screening may not result in appropriate follow-up care. 4 In addition, only 60% of pediatricians nationwide screen children for developmental delays despite American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations to perform screens at 18- and 24-month wellness checks. Individuals in poor communities and members of racial minority groups often have limited access to the services. Bostic, MD, EdD Sean Pustilnik, MD Alison Neuwirth Dominique Charlot-Swilley, PhD Incorporating Well-Being Into Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Screen Media Activity in Youth: Friend or Fiend? Supporting Youth: New Findings in Youth Depression and Beyond ![]()
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