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With the publication of DSM-5, many changes were introduced regarding how Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) would be diagnosed. Changes from DSM-IV-TR were controversial, with many arguing that individuals would lose their diagnosis with the new criteria. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in the application of diagnostic criteria across both recent versions in a sample of infants and toddlers. Fewer individuals met criteria according to DSM-5; however, a larger proportion of individuals met criteria for both. Additionally, individuals with higher levels of symptoms were more likely to meet criteria for both versions as compared to either alone. Overall, results suggest that there are meaningful differences in how DSM criteria may apply to individuals with an ASD.

Purpose: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) screening is recommended for all children aged 18–24 months. However, healthcare providers may be burdened with the responsibility of conducting these screens in addition to necessary services. Therefore, developing a time-efficient screener with sound psychometric properties is essential.Methods: This study sought to update the abbreviated scoring algorithm of theBaby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits (BISCUIT)and increase its clinical utility. Six thousand and three children with ASD or atypical development enrolled in an early intervention program participated.Results: A 6-item algorithm with a cutoff score of 3 was found to be optimal and yielded a sensitivity of 0.960 and a specificity of 0.864.Conclusion: Sensitivity and specificity estimates were similar to that of the completeBISCUIT-Part 1; thus, the 6-item algorithm can reliably differentiate children at-risk for ASD requiring further assessment. The algorithm appears to be a promising tool for early identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The age of first concern (AOC) of parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has substantial implications for early diagnosis and intervention. The current study sought to determine the average AOC, what types of first concerns are most common, and what factors predict earlier AOC in toddlers with ASD. Methods: This study analyzed the predictive influence of the type of concern, symptom severity, medical diagnoses, and other independent variables on AOC among toddlers with ASD using multiple regressions. Results: The mean AOC was found to be 13.97 months (SD = 7.86). The most commonly reported first concern was speech/language. First concerns related to communication, speech/language predicted later AOC, while motor concerns predicted earlier AOC. Conclusions: Concerns that are more closely related to social communication deficits characteristic of ASD predicted later AOC. The implications of these findings on screening/assessment and intervention are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]