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Background: How best to improve the early detection of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the subject of significant controversy. Some argue that universal ASD screeners are highly accurate, whereas others argue that evidence for this claim is insufficient. Relatedly, there is no clear consensus as to the optimal role of screening for making referral decisions for evaluation and treatment. Published screening research can meaningfully inform these questions—but only through careful consideration of children who do not complete diagnostic follow‐up. Methods: We developed two simulation models that re‐analyze the results of a large‐scale validation study of the M‐CHAT‐R/F by Robins et al. (2014, Pediatrics, 133, 37). Model #1 re‐analyzes screener accuracy across six scenarios, each reflecting different assumptions regarding loss to follow‐up. Model #2 builds on this by closely examining differential attrition at each point of the multi‐step detection process. Results: Estimates of sensitivity ranged from 40% to 94% across scenarios, demonstrating that estimates of accuracy depend on assumptions regarding the diagnostic status of children who were lost to follow‐up. Across a range of plausible assumptions, data also suggest that children with undiagnosed ASD may be more likely to complete follow‐up than children without ASD, highlighting the role of clinicians and caregivers in the detection process. Conclusions: Using simulation modeling as a quantitative method to examine potential bias in screening studies, analyses suggest that ASD screening tools may be less accurate than is often reported. Models also demonstrate the critical importance of every step in a detection process—including steps that determine whether children should complete an additional evaluation. We conclude that parent and clinician decision‐making regarding follow‐up may contribute more to detection than is widely assumed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine the utility of the Systematic Observation of Red Flags (SORF; Dow et al., 2016) as a level 2 screener for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in toddlers during a naturalistic video‐recorded home observation. Psychometric properties of the SORF were examined in a sample of 228 toddlers—84 with ASD, 82 with developmental delay (DD), and 62 with typical development (TD). Trained undergraduate research assistants blind to diagnosis rated 22 red flags (RF) of ASD associated with DSM‐5 diagnostic criteria using a 4‐point scale. The following scores were computed: a total score summing all items, domain scores summing social communication and restricted, repetitive behavior items, and number of RF counting items with scores of 2 or 3 indicating clear symptom presence. The performance of the total, domain, and RF scores and individual items were examined. A composite score was formed with six items with the best psychometric performance: poor eye gaze directed to faces, limited showing and pointing, limited coordination of nonverbal communication, less interest in people than objects, repetitive use of objects, and excessive interest in particular objects, actions, or activities. The 6‐item composite provides a brief measure with optimal performance, while the RF may be instrumental for clinicians who are interested in characterizing the range of observed symptoms. The SORF shows promise as a practical alternative to currently available screening methods for implementation by nonexperts with the potential to increase feasibility and reduce common obstacles to access to care. Autism Res 2020, 13: 122–133. © The Authors. Autism Research published by International Society for Autism Research published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Lay Summary: Research suggests that current autism spectrum disorder (ASD) screening tools are not accurate enough to use in routine screening. The Systematic Observation of Red Flags was developed as a practical option for children at high risk for ASD. It can be used with video‐recorded samples of parent–child interactions in the home and by raters who are not experts in ASD. It shows promise in predicting ASD risk in toddlers to determine if a full diagnostic evaluation is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research examining restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior or interests (RRB) in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has increased our understanding of its contribution to diagnosis and its role in development. Advances in our knowledge of RRB are hindered by the inconsistencies in how RRB is measured. The present study examined the factor structure of the Repetitive Behavior Scale‐Revised (RBS‐R) in a sample of 350 children with ASD ages 2–9. Confirmatory factor analysis designed for items with categorical response types was implemented to examine six proposed structural models. The five‐factor model demonstrated the most parsimonious fit based on common overall fit indices that was further supported by examination of local model fit indicators, though, the four‐ and six‐factor models evidenced adequate‐to‐good fit as well. Examination of RRB factor score approaches indicated only minor differences between summed item subscale scores and extracted factor scores with regard to associations with diagnostic measures. All RRB subtypes demonstrated significant associations with cognitive functioning and adaptive behavior. Implications for future research validating the RBS‐R as a more extensive clinical measure of RRB in ASD are discussed. Autism Res 2019, 12: 1399–1410. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Lay Summary: Repetitive behaviors are one of the two main symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To better understand the role of repetitive behaviors, we must establish effective ways of measuring them. This study assessed the measurement qualities of the Repetitive Behavior Scale‐Revised (RBS‐R) in a sample of 350 children with ASD ages 2–9. We found that the RBS‐R measures multiple types of repetitive behaviors and that these behaviors are related to thinking ability and independence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a significant research‐to‐practice gap in early detection of young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) worldwide but particularly in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) where expertise is limited and high‐quality training is difficult to access. Autism Navigator® for Primary Care is a web‐based course designed to increase awareness of red flags of ASD in the second year of life and thus promote earlier detection and referral for intervention. It contains extensive video illustrations that offer rapid access to multiple exemplars of ASD red flags. This study examined aspects of feasibility of the Autism Navigator® for Primary Care in one LMIC, South Africa. A mixed‐methods quasi‐experimental design was used to examine relevant professionals' implementation of the course and measure changes in their knowledge of red flags after training. Perceptions of the acceptability, demand, and practicality of the course were explored in focus groups. Sixty‐two providers completed the course online with a 94% completion rate. Built‐in learner assessment pass rates ranged from 88% to 100%. Second‐language English speakers took longer to complete the learner assessments, and professionals with less access to the Internet spent less time in the course. Participants' perceptions of the acceptability, demand, and practicality of the course were mostly positive with some suggestions made for local conditions. Results supported the feasibility of the course in this LMIC with some supports required pertaining to language and Internet access. We propose that this training has the potential to lower the age of detection of ASD in South Africa and other LMICs. Autism Research2018, 11: 1511–1521. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Lay Summary: Professionals in low‐ and middle‐income countries urgently need training to recognize red flags of autism in very young children. The feasibility of utilizing the Autism Navigator® for Primary Care course for this training was explored with 62 South African professionals. After training, professionals' knowledge of early red flags improved, and most reported the course important and needed in South Africa. They found the web‐based design mostly acceptable, practical, and culturally applicable. The course could help lower the age of autism detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Substantial development in social communication skills occurs in the first two years of life. Growth should be evident in sharing emotion and eye gaze; rate of communication, communicating for a variety of functions; using gestures, sounds and words; understanding language, and using functional and pretend actions with objects in play. A delay in these early social communication skills may be the first sign of a developmental delay in young children in nearly all categories of disabilities-including specific language impairment, autism spectrum disorder, HIV/AIDS, lack of environmental stimulation or institutionalization, and global developmental delays-and early detection of these delays is critical for enrolment in appropriate early intervention services. Aims No standardized tests of early social communication skills exist for very young children in South Africa (SA). An existing evaluation tool that has the potential to be culturally fair for children from cultural backgrounds different to the standardization group is the Communication and Symbolic Behaviour Scales-Developmental Profile (CSBS DP). This study aimed to document the performance of a group of English-speaking SA children ranging in age from 12 to 24 months on the CSBS DP and to compare this performance with the original standardization sample. Methods & Procedures Sixty-seven English-speaking SA children from a range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds were assessed on the CSBS DP Behaviour Sample. Group scores were compared with the original standardization sample using inferential statistics. Outcomes & Results The results provide preliminary support for the suitability and validity of the face-to-face Behaviour Sample as a measure of early social communication skills in this sample of English-speaking SA children from a range of cultural groups between 12 and 24 months of age. Conclusions & Implications While further research in the SA population is needed, these findings are a first step towards validating a culturally appropriate measure for early detection of social communication delays in a sample of SA toddlers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little research has been conducted on behavioral characteristics of children with autism spectrum disorder ( ASD) from diverse cultures within the US, or from countries outside of the US or Europe, with little reliable information yet reported from developing countries. We describe the process used to engage diverse communities in ASD research in two community-based research projects-an epidemiologic investigation of 7- to 12-year olds in South Korea and the Early Autism Project, an ASD detection program for 18- to 36-month-old Zulu-speaking children in South Africa. Despite the differences in wealth between these communities, ASD is underdiagnosed in both settings, and generally not reported in clinical or educational records. Moreover, in both countries, there is low availability of services. In both cases, local knowledge helped researchers to address both ethnographic as well as practical problems. Researchers identified the ways in which these communities generate and negotiate the cultural meanings of developmental disorders. Researchers incorporated that knowledge, as they engaged communities in a research protocol, adapted and translated screening and diagnostic tools, and developed methods for screening, evaluating, and diagnosing children with ASD. Autism Res 2012, 5: 201-210. © 2012 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine group differences and relationships with later developmental level and autism symptoms using a new clinical tool developed to measure repetitive and stereotyped movements (RSM) in young children. Method: Videotaped behavior samples using the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales Developmental Profile (CSBS; Wetherby & Prizant, 2002 ) were coded for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD; n = 50), developmental delays without ASD (DD; n = 25), and typical development (TD; n = 50) between 18 and 24 months of age. Results: Children with ASD demonstrated significantly higher rate and larger inventory of RSM with objects and body during a systematic behavior sample than both the DD and TD groups. Measures of RSM were related to concurrent measures of social communication and predicted developmental outcomes and autism symptoms in the fourth year for the ASD group. None of the correlations between RSM and autism symptoms remained significant when controlling for CSBS Symbolic level. RSM with objects predicted unique variance in the severity of autism symptoms in the fourth year beyond that predicted by social communication measures alone. Conclusions: This study provides support for the diagnostic significance of RSM in children under 24 months of age and documents the utility of this RSM measurement tool as a companion to the CSBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) appears to be stable in children as young as age three, few studies have explored stability of a diagnosis in younger children. Predictive value of diagnostic tools for toddlers and patterns of symptom change are important considerations for clinicians making early diagnoses. Most findings come from high-risk samples, but reports on children screened in community settings are also needed. Methods: Stability of diagnosis and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule - Toddler Module (ADOS-T) classifications and scores was examined across two time points in a sample of 82 children identified through the FIRST WORDS® Project. Children received two comprehensive diagnostic evaluations at average ages of 19.39 ( SD = 2.12) and 36.89 ( SD = 3.85) months. Results: Stability was 100% when confirming and ruling out a diagnosis of ASD based on a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation that included clinic and home observations, although diagnosis was initially deferred for 17% of the sample. Receiver Operating Characteristic curves revealed excellent sensitivity and acceptable specificity for the ADOS-T compared to concurrent diagnosis. Logistic regressions indicated good predictive value of initial ADOS-T scores for follow-up diagnosis. Finally, both ASD and Non-ASD children demonstrated a decrease in Social Affect scores (i.e., improvement), whereas children with ASD demonstrated an increase in Restricted and Repetitive Behavior scores (i.e., worsening), changes that were accounted for by nonverbal developmental level in mixed model analyses. Conclusions: Short-term stability was documented for children diagnosed at 19 months on average, although a minority of children initially showed unclear diagnostic presentations. Findings highlight utility of the ADOS-T in making early diagnoses and predicting follow-up diagnoses. Children with ASD demonstrated improvement in social communication behaviors and unfolding of repetitive behaviors, suggesting that certain early patterns of change in symptoms may be characteristic of ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]