Early Detection for Autism Spectrum Disorder in Young Children
Paediatrics & Child Health
Zwaigenbaum, L., Brian, J. A., et al. (2019).
Paediatrics & Child Health, 24(7), 424-432.
This guideline provides recommendations on the early detection of autism in young children.
Canadian Paediatric Society
Consider the following when developmental concerns remain, but the autism surveillance does not indicate further diagnostic assessment:
<ul>
<li>directly address concerns with parents to continue ongoing developmental surveillance;</li>
<li>refer the family for the appropriate early intervention or support services; and/or</li>
<li>revisit monitoring of autism characteristics as the child develops.</li>
</ul>
Children with a greater likelihood of being on the autism spectrum should receive an early, focused screening to determine a need for further diagnostic assessment. A parent questionnaire (e.g., Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-up or Infant Toddler Checklist), or an interactive tool, such as the Screening Tool for Autism in Two-Year-Olds (STAT), could be used. "Parents should be advised that their child will be referred for and receive supportive community interventions (such as speech/language or occupational therapy, or a preschool program), while waiting for a diagnostic assessment, and beyond" (p. 429).
All Canadian children should be monitored for early characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as part of general developmental surveillance and surveillance of behavioral signs should continue throughout childhood.
