Title: A preliminary look into Primary Care Clinicians’ Ability to
Accurately and Confidently Identify Autism Spectrum
Disorder in Toddlers
Abstract: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, and restricted and repetitive behaviors. Parents typically notice ASD symptoms prior to 2 years, however the average age of diagnosis is 4 years old and females are often diagnosed at later ages than males. These findings indicate delayed access to ASD-specific early intervention. For these reasons, the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute is conducting research to improve early diagnosis. I worked as part of an ongoing study to develop preliminary analyses to evaluate how confident and accurate the clinical impressions of ASD in young children made by primary care clinicians (PCCs) are compared to expert clinicians after an evaluation. I also am examining whether sex differences relate to PCC impressions. To collect this data, PCCs and expert clinicians fill out a survey to report their impressions of whether or not the child has ASD, their confidence in this impression, and what led to their impression. If the PCCs are confident and accurate in identifying ASD in young children, this research may lead to earlier diagnosis and better prognosis for children diagnosed with ASD, as this would allow them earlier access to care.
Abstract: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, and restricted and repetitive behaviors. Parents typically notice ASD symptoms prior to 2 years, however the average age of diagnosis is 4 years old and females are often diagnosed at later ages than males. These findings indicate delayed access to ASD-specific early intervention. For these reasons, the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute is conducting research to improve early diagnosis. I worked as part of an ongoing study to develop preliminary analyses to evaluate how confident and accurate the clinical impressions of ASD in young children made by primary care clinicians (PCCs) are compared to expert clinicians after an evaluation. I also am examining whether sex differences relate to PCC impressions. To collect this data, PCCs and expert clinicians fill out a survey to report their impressions of whether or not the child has ASD, their confidence in this impression, and what led to their impression. If the PCCs are confident and accurate in identifying ASD in young children, this research may lead to earlier diagnosis and better prognosis for children diagnosed with ASD, as this would allow them earlier access to care.