Autism spectrum disorder screening and management practices among general pediatric providers.

Full Abstract

It is unclear to what extent general developmental/behavioral assessments are performed, if screening for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is being conducted, and what the barriers to providing such assessments are in routine pediatric practice. Therefore, this study examines (1) the factors influencing the use of general developmental and autism-specific screening tools in primary care pediatric practice, (2) the barriers to providing these assessments, and (3) pediatricians' beliefs regarding ASD prevalence. A cross-sectional survey was mailed in June 2004 to a 60% (n = 1119) random sample of Maryland and Delaware licensed pediatricians. In August 2004, a second mailing was sent to non-respondents. A total of 471 (42%) of the surveys were returned, and of those, 255 (54%) who practiced in general primary care were eligible. The sample was 47% male, 69% had more than 14 years' experience, 71% were in private practices, and 56% had fewer than 10 ASD patients. Most (82%) routinely screened for general developmental delays, but only 8% screened for ASD. The main reasons reported for not screening for ASD were lack of familiarity with tools (62%), referred to a specialist (47%), or not enough time (32%). Most specialist referrals (77%) were to a developmental pediatrician. Most pediatricians (71%) believed that ASD prevalence has increased, and nearly all attributed this to changes in diagnostic criteria and treatment. Service system limitations must be overcome to increase awareness and familiarity with screening tools, provide sufficient time and resources, improve screening, and enhance provider education.

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Author information

Author/s: Dosreis, Susan (S); Weiner, Courtney L (CL); Johnson, Lakeshia (L); Newschaffer, Craig J (CJ);

Affiliation: Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. sdosreil(-atsign-)jhmi.edu

Grants: U10CCU320408 (Agency:PHS HHS)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Multicenter Study; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

Journal: Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics : JDBP (J Dev Behav Pediatr), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-Apr; vol 27 (issue 2 Suppl) : pp S88-94

Dates: Created 2006/05/10; Completed 2006/10/25; Revised 2007/11/14;

PMID: 16685190, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adult
Autistic Disorder - classification; diagnosis; epidemiology; therapy
Child
Data Collection
Delaware - epidemiology
Family Practice
Female

Female
Humans
Male
Maryland - epidemiology
Mass Screening - methods; standards
Middle Aged
Pediatrics

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