Screening for Autism

This content is reproduced with permission from the Help Autism Now Society (HANS).

The Checklist for Autism in Toddlers is a simple validated screening tool developed in the UK and widely used at 18-month check-ups.

Printable CHAT Poster – English/Spanish

CHAT Screening Tool

Instructional Video, CHAT Screening Tool

Too few pediatricians screen for autism

Hopkins study, from April 2006, finds that only 8% of primary care pediatricians routinely screen for Autism. Lack of familiarity with the screening tools was the primary reason. Abstract follows:

J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2006 Apr;27(2 Suppl):S88-94.

Autism spectrum disorder screening and management practices among general pediatric providers.

Dosreis S, Weiner CL, Johnson L, Newschaffer CJ.

Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.

It is unclear to what extent general developmental/behavioral assessments are performed, if screening for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is being conducted, and what the barriers to providing such assessments are in routine pediatric practice. Therefore, this study examines (1) the factors influencing the use of general developmental and autism-specific screening tools in primary care pediatric practice, (2) the barriers to providing these assessments, and (3) pediatricians’ beliefs regarding ASD prevalence. A cross-sectional survey was mailed in June 2004 to a 60% (n = 1119) random sample of Maryland and Delaware licensed pediatricians. In August 2004, a second mailing was sent to non-respondents. A total of 471 (42%) of the surveys were returned, and of those, 255 (54%) who practiced in general primary care were eligible. The sample was 47% male, 69% had more than 14 years’ experience, 71% were in private practices, and 56% had fewer than 10 ASD patients. Most (82%) routinely screened for general developmental delays, but only 8% screened for ASD. The main reasons reported for not screening for ASD were lack of familiarity with tools (62%), referred to a specialist (47%), or not enough time (32%). Most specialist referrals (77%) were to a developmental pediatrician. Most pediatricians (71%) believed that ASD prevalence has increased, and nearly all attributed this to changes in diagnostic criteria and treatment. Service system limitations must be overcome to increase awareness and familiarity with screening tools, provide sufficient time and resources, improve screening, and enhance provider education.