Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorders: We Need Better Tools - Frankly Speaking EP 148

Credits: 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™

Claim CME/CE credit: https://www.pri-med.com/online-education/podcast/frankly-speaking-cme-148

Overview: Universal screening of young children is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), as early intervention leads to improvements in function. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), however, has concluded there isn't enough evidence about the efficacy of universal screening to recommend it. To assess the effectiveness of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers with Follow-Up (M-CHAT/F), a study of 26,000 children was completed at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. This episode will review the current guidelines for ASD screening and the results of this study—which revealed significant shortcomings in current screening tools—as well as discuss how to counsel concerned parents.

Guest: Robert Baldor, MD, FAAFP

Music Credit: Richard Onorato