Autism is a complex developmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication and behavior. Children with autism may prefer to play alone and often show little or no interest in developing friendships. Some may want to play with peers, but have difficulty maintaining conversations, interpreting social cues or understanding how others feel.

In children with autism, language and communication skills are often delayed or markedly impaired. Some youngsters prefer not to talk at all. Others may repeat words or phrases, or develop unusual speech patterns (in pitch, rate, or rhythm).

Autism is also associated with certain behavioral characteristics. Children may be obsessed with rituals and routines, and become very upset when the patterns are disturbed. They may engage in very restrictive, yet methodical activities, such as grouping or lining toys in a perfect order. Some children have unusual, stereotypic behaviors, such as rocking or hand waving.

According to the Autism Society of America, autism occurs in about one out of every 150 children. The condition affects boys four times more often than girls. Currently, about 1.5 million Americans are living with some form of the disorder.

Screening for Autism

There is no cure for autism. However, early intervention increases the likelihood of helping a child reach full potential. Therefore, the younger the age at the time of diagnosis, the sooner a child can get therapy and educational services. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends autism screening at the 18-, 24- and 30-month well-child visits.

There is no single diagnostic test for autism. The diagnosis is based on parent/teacher observation and clinical assessment of behavior and developmental milestones. Current tools include the Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (CHAT), the Modified Checklist for Autism (M-CHAT) and Pervasive Developmental Disorders Screening Test-II Primary Care Screener. These “checklists” are designed to screen for behaviors that may indicate a potential developmental problem or autistic disorder. If a more thorough assessment is needed, doctors may use the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS, considered the current “gold standard” for assessment and diagnosis of autism and pervasive developmental disorders) or the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R).

A Quick Screen

A recent study in the journal, Pediatrics, found that despite screening recommendations, only 8 percent of pediatricians routinely screen their young patients for autism. Jenny Mathys, LCSW, Autism Specialist with Emory University says that’s because physicians generally only have a few minutes to spend with each patient and screening takes a considerable amount of time.

To speed the screening process, investigators at Emory Autism Resource Center and the Health Systems Institute at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a quick screening tool, called the Rapid Attention Back and Forth Communication (Rapid ABC) screener. The test takes only about five minutes and uses five common playing activities, like rolling a ball back and forth, reading a book and tickling, to assess a child’s attention level, eye contact, social interaction, reciprocal play and ability to interpret gesturing and body language.

Currently, the Rapid ABC screener is in a pilot study. So far, investigators have found the results correlate very well to autism diagnosis. Next, the researchers want to test the screening tool in the offices of Georgia pediatricians. Eventually, Mathys would like to see the screening tool used nationwide.

AUDIENCE INQUIRY

For general information on autism:
American Academy of Pediatrics, http://www.aap.org/publiced/BR_Autism.htm
Autism Society of America, http://www.autism-society.org
Autism Speaks, http://www.autismspeaks.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism