Early identification of autism spectrum disorders using the two-step Modified Checklist for Autism: experience in Southern Switzerland

Ramelli, Vera; Perlini, Rosanna; Zanda, Nadia; Mascetti, Giulia; Rizzi, Eleonora; Ramelli, Gian Paolo

doi:10.1007/s00431-018-3097-y

Cited by 5 publications

(5 citation statements)

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“…This finding was supported by previous studies that reported that ASD is difficult to define, diagnose, and the physicians cannot translate their theoretical knowledge of ASD into their clinical practice, which shows a lack of experience in ASD diagnosis in primary health care physicians [ 22 , 23 ]. To overcome this, a previous study suggested a valid scale easily performed by any healthcare provider and does not require special training which might be distributed to primary health care and even to educators [ 5 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The reason for this increase is not clear; it might be due to the changes in the diagnostic criteria or increased awareness of ASD among the community, medical professionals and educators [ 3 , 4 ]. Early diagnosis at three years old is crucial and significantly improves ASD patients’ social behaviour and cognitive skills [ 5 , 6 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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National Profile of Caregivers’ Perspectives on Autism Spectrum Disorder Screening and Care in Primary Health Care: The Need for Autism Medical Home

Al-Mazidi

Al-Ayadhi

2021

IJERPH

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Although autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common developmental disorder, primary healthcare providers show a deficit in providing early diagnosis. To understand parents’ experience and perspective in the diagnosis and intervention process of their children, a survey was deployed through social media to parents’ with at least one child diagnosed with ASD. The survey included parents experience, satisfaction and perception in the diagnosis process and services provided for their children, stigma and type of support received. A total of 223 participants were enrolled. Although 62% of ASD patients were diagnosed by three years old, most diagnoses (66%) were non-physician initiated. Additionally, 40.8% of the parents reported that the services required for their child are available in their area of residence, but only 7.9% were satisfied with these services. Parents who received psychological support (9.9%) started early intervention, and their children have a better prognosis (p ≤ 0.005). Stigmatized parents were more likely to delay intervention (p ≤ 0.005). Parents’ perception is to have qualified healthcare and educational professionals experienced in ASD. Our findings suggest that a specialized family-centred medical home for ASD patients would significantly benefit ASD patients, increase parents’ satisfaction, reduce parents’ stress, and ease their children’s transition to adolescents.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

National Profile of Caregivers’ Perspectives on Autism Spectrum Disorder Screening and Care in Primary Health Care: The Need for Autism Medical Home

Al-Mazidi

Al-Ayadhi

2021

IJERPH

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“…In southern Switzerland, use of M-CHAT was strongly encouraged by IPSI at the 2-year developmental health check between 2009 and 2012. By 2013, paediatricians were systematically using this checklist at well-baby appointments [30]. Ramelli et al previously showed a significant decrease in age at diagnosis using this screening tool [30].…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…By 2013, paediatricians were systematically using this checklist at well-baby appointments [30]. Ramelli et al previously showed a significant decrease in age at diagnosis using this screening tool [30]. At-risk cases were subsequently referred for evaluation by regional paediatricians to a specialised outpatient clinic in IPSI.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Age at initial diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders: a retrospective comparison of screening techniques between the southern and northwestern regions of Switzerland

Sommer,

Glaser,

Soldini

et al. 2023

Swiss Med Wkly

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AIMS: Early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) offers the possibility of early intervention and, in turn, gains in adaptive behaviour, language and cognition. The aim of the present study was to analyse whether age at diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders decreased in two regions of Switzerland from 2006 to 2016 following the implementation of different screening and referral techniques. In southern Switzerland, systematic paediatric screening using the Modified Checklist for Autism (M-CHAT) in toddlers was implemented in 2013, whereas in northwestern Switzerland, periodic trainings were used to increase paediatrician awareness of ASD. We investigated which method was associated with a younger average age at diagnosis. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, two-centre study searching clinical records of children and adolescents (aged 0–16 years) diagnosed with ASD in two neuropaediatric departments at Swiss hospitals between January 2006 and December 2016. All patients were diagnosed via a standardised evaluation based on two approved diagnostic tests: the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule–Second Edition (ADOS-2) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised (ADI-R). RESULTS: In southern Switzerland, training and subsequent widespread use of the M-CHAT among paediatricians appeared to contribute to a significantly younger age at diagnosis. Age at diagnosis did not significantly decrease during the same period in northwestern Switzerland. CONCLUSION: Our results point to the possibility of successfully reducing age at diagnosis in specific geographic areas through the implementation of screening questionnaires, such as the M-CHAT, at year 2 well-baby visits.

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“…The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-ADOS [25] was used to confirm diagnoses. Children also underwent a neurodevelopmental evaluation [26]. A Developmental Quotient (DQ) score was obtained for each child based on the Denver Developmental Screening Test, second edition (DDST II); [27] and the Clinical Adaptive Test/Clinical Linguistic and Auditory Milestone Scale (CAT/ CLAMS) [28].…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Autism risk linked to prematurity is more accentuated in girls

et al. 2020

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Early identification of autism spectrum disorders using the two-step Modified Checklist for Autism: experience in Southern Switzerland

Cited by 5 publications

References 5 publications

National Profile of Caregivers’ Perspectives on Autism Spectrum Disorder Screening and Care in Primary Health Care: The Need for Autism Medical Home

National Profile of Caregivers’ Perspectives on Autism Spectrum Disorder Screening and Care in Primary Health Care: The Need for Autism Medical Home

Age at initial diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders: a retrospective comparison of screening techniques between the southern and northwestern regions of Switzerland

Autism risk linked to prematurity is more accentuated in girls

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