Why Is This Case Important?
Early identification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disorders often allows access to interventions, which may lead to improved outcomes. Formal screening of every child for ASD during pediatric visits has been recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) at 18 and 24 months. This case highlights important issues surrounding screening for ASD.
In this video, parents describe the preliminary screening results of their son via the M-CHAT and subsequent autism diagnosis. They discuss difficulties interpreting due to their son’s positive performance in all areas except language. The film was made before the M-CHAT Revised with Follow-Up (M-CHAT-R/F) was available.
Navigating the Modules
- Use the links at the lower left and right of each page to move forward and backward through the course.
- Each section of the case is followed by a series of questions.
- Some questions have multiple tabs; please be sure to click them all.
- Be on the lookout for videos that show key content and materials you can download and use in practice.
- Following completion of the entire module, you will be given a link directing you to the CDC Training and Continuing Education Online website to secure CE credit.
- At any time during the module, you can use the “Course Information” links to find information about the course, navigating the module and continuing education credit. You will not exit the module by clicking on these links.
Key Learning Objectives
- Perform autism-specific screening as recommended by the AAP
- Review the AAP guidelines on ASD screening
- Discuss the importance of ASD screening as part of developmental surveillance
- Choose an appropriate screening tool
- Administer and score a screening tool correctly
- Develop an appropriate management plan based on autism screening results
- Interpret screening results correctly
- Explain the results of screening to parents
- Formulate an appropriate plan of care based on screening results
- Page last reviewed: May 30, 2017
- Page last updated: May 27, 2016
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