Autism screening and diagnostic evaluation

doi:10.1017/CBO9780511978616.008

Chapter 7 - Autism screening and diagnostic evaluation

from Section 2 - Assessing and Treating Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 November 2012

Mark E. Reber

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Mark Reber

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Mark Reber: Affiliation:
Drexel University, Philadelphia

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Summary

In order to maximize the benefits of treatment, children with autism should be identified and diagnosed as early as possible. This chapter will address screening for autism spectrum disorders in community and high-risk populations and the components of a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation. Instruments used for screening and diagnostic assessment will be described. Discussion will also touch upon two other aspects of evaluation: investigating the etiology of autism in an individual child, and identifying comorbid conditions that occur commonly in children with ASDs.

Screening

Screening of young children to detect those who might have, or be at risk for, ASDs may be implemented in a number of settings: in primary care physicians’ offices and clinics, in developmental diagnostic centers and in early intervention programs. Such screening can be described as being of two types, depending on setting and purpose. Level 1 screening takes place in primary care or community settings and aims to differentiate children who are at risk for autism from the rest of the population. Level 2 screening generally takes place in early intervention programs and diagnostic centers and aims to distinguish children with ASDs from those with other developmental disabilities. Level 2 screening may thereby also contribute to establishing a diagnosis of autism.

Type: Chapter
Information: The Autism Spectrum
Scientific Foundations and Treatment
, pp. 179 - 200

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511978616.008 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2012

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Chapter 7 - Autism screening and diagnostic evaluation

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