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Practice Guideline
. 2015 Oct;136 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):S41-59.
doi: 10.1542/peds.2014-3667D.

Early Screening of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Recommendations for Practice and Research

Lonnie Zwaigenbaum  1 , Margaret L Bauman  2 , Deborah Fein  3 , Karen Pierce  4 , Timothy Buie  5 , Patricia A Davis  6 , Craig Newschaffer  7 , Diana L Robins  7 , Amy Wetherby  8 , Roula Choueiri  9 , Connie Kasari  10 , Wendy L Stone  11 , Nurit Yirmiya  12 , Annette Estes  13 , Robin L Hansen  14 , James C McPartland  15 , Marvin R Natowicz  16 , Alice Carter  17 , Doreen Granpeesheh  18 , Zoe Mailloux  19 , Susanne Smith Roley  20 , Sheldon Wagner  21
Affiliations
Practice Guideline

Early Screening of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Recommendations for Practice and Research

Lonnie Zwaigenbaum et al. Pediatrics. 2015 Oct.

Abstract

This article reviews current evidence for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) screening based on peer-reviewed articles published to December 2013. Screening provides a standardized process to ensure that children are systematically monitored for early signs of ASD to promote earlier diagnosis. The current review indicates that screening in children aged 18 to 24 months can assist in early detection, consistent with current American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendations. We identify ASD-specific and broadband screening tools that have been evaluated in large community samples which show particular promise in terms of accurate classification and clinical utility. We also suggest strategies to help overcome challenges to implementing ASD screening in community practice, as well as priorities for future research.

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Conflict of interest statement

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Dr Zwaigenbaum was the site Principal Investigator of a study sponsored by SynapDx (he received operating funds but no honoraria). Drs Fein and Robins are co-owners of M-CHAT, LLC, which licenses use of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers in electronic products. Dr Stone is the author of the Screening Tool for Autism in Two-Year-Olds and receives a share of royalties from sales of this instrument. The authors received an honorarium as well as travel expenses from Autism Forum for contributing to the expert panels.

References

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