Assessment and Identification Practices for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Summary
Assessment and identification of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) rely on a combination of developmental surveillance, standardised screening tools and detailed diagnostic evaluation. Early detection often begins in primary care settings, where paediatricians and family practitioners use brief checklists at routine visits, typically at 18 and 24 months, to flag potential concerns. Children who screen positive proceed to specialist assessment, which is conducted by multidisciplinary teams incorporating clinical psychologists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and developmental paediatricians. These teams draw on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) framework and utilise gold-standard instruments such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R). Recent advances include telehealth assessments to improve geographical access, machine-learning algorithms that analyse behavioural data for early markers, and culturally adapted screening to reduce disparities. Global initiatives emphasise equitable pathways to diagnosis, integrating community health workers in low-resource settings and training educators to recognise early signs. The overarching aim is to shorten the time between first concerns and formal diagnosis, thereby facilitating timely intervention and support for individuals and families.
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Assessment and Identification Practices for Autism Spectrum Disorder publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in assessment and identification practices for autism spectrum disorder across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
DSM-5: The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, providing standard diagnostic criteria for ASD.
ADOS-2: A semi-structured, standardised assessment of social interaction, communication and play for individuals suspected of having ASD.
ADI-R: A detailed caregiver interview that assesses developmental history, communication, social interaction and restricted interests in ASD.
Multidisciplinary assessment: An evaluation approach involving professionals from different disciplines collaborating to establish diagnostic clarity and intervention planning.
Surveillance network: A systematic programme for monitoring the incidence or prevalence of a condition within defined populations over time.
References
- Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Children Aged 8 Years — Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, 11 Sites, United States, 2016. MMWR Surveillance Summaries (2020).
- Defining Autism: Variability in State Education Agency Definitions of and Evaluations for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Autism Research and Treatment (2014).
- Comparison of autism spectrum disorder surveillance status based on two different diagnostic schemes: Findings from the Metropolitan Atlanta Developmental Disabilities Surveillance Program, 2012. PLOS ONE (2018).
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