| Abstract: | Several research studies have attempted to prospectively identify children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using screening instruments. While it has been possible to pick up unrecognised cases using screens, no instrument has yet proved sufficiently robust to recommend universal screening. However, autism screens can play an important role in improved surveillance for ASD and other developmental disorders. There are important differences between the development of screening instruments in research studies and the use of screens as part of routine clinical surveillance. Screening for a developmental disorder raises clinical issues for parents and professionals, including those relating to the concept of 'risk status', certainty of diagnosis, advice about management and the availability of appropriate services. One positive by-product of screening studies will be improvements in the training and knowledge of primary care health practitioners about early signs of ASD, hopefully leading to improved clinical decision-making about appropriate referral. Future developments in the field should include consideration of a broader approach to the identification of children with developmental and language disorders alongside the identification of children with ASD, and appropriate research designs to test the specific benefits of early intervention. |
