ASD Assessment Research Articles

Are there differences in the behavioural phenotypes of Autism Spectrum Disorder probands from simplex and multiplex families?

Recent research suggests that different genetic pathways may operate for families with one child affected with Autism Spectrum Disorder (simplex ASD), compared to families that have multiple affected children (multiplex ASD). In this study, we investigated possible differences in the behavioural phenotypes of probands from simplex and multiplex ASD families using parent-report and standardised behavioural measures. Participants were 59 probands from multiplex ASD families (28 families), who were each matched on chronological age and sex with two probands from simplex families. Probands from multiplex families had greater social impairment (measured using the Social Responsiveness Scale) and worse pragmatic language (on the Children's Communication Checklist-2) than probands from simplex families. However, the multiplex children had less severe symptoms than the simplex children on the ADOS-G, and a significantly higher proportion of multiplex children did not meet autism spectrum cut-offs on this measure. These findings indicate that there are behavioural differences in children with ASD from simplex and multiplex families. In addition, the results reveal an important discrepancy between parent-report and clinician observation of autistic-like characteristics in siblings of an affected child, which may have implications for the assessment and diagnosis of ASD.

Brief report: use of interactive television in identifying autism in young children: methodology and preliminary data.

Children living in rural and underserved areas experience decreased access to health care services and are often diagnosed with autism at a later age compared to those living in urban or suburban areas. This study examines the utility and validity of an ASD assessment protocol conducted via video conferencing (VC). Participants (n = 17) included families with young children (2.5-6 years) requesting an evaluation for ASD in an interdisciplinary clinic. We randomly assigned families to complete an additional evaluation either in-person or via VC prior to their clinic appointment and compared diagnostic impressions to their interdisciplinary clinic evaluation. Results demonstrate excellent inter-rater agreement on diagnoses between clinicians in the VC setting and the interdisciplinary team, which suggests VC may be a viable method to increase access to autism diagnostic services, and ultimately early intervention, for families in rural and underserved areas.

G135(P) A novel approach to NICE audit?

AimsEvaluation of the assessment of autistic spectrum disorder.MethodsWe appraised our current assessment for autistic spectrum disorder using process audit. This traffic light system, used in business models, highlights areas of...

EPA-0548 - Assessment of the psychometric properties of the raads-r and two abridged versions of the autism spectrum quotient (AQ-10 and AQ-28) in a dutch adult outpatient population

The increased demand for assessment and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders in adults has caused long delays in mental health services. There is currently no diagnostic tool available to assess the urgency of the autistic symptoms, preventing a prioritization in the waiting lists. Promising new instruments are the 80-item Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised, (RAADS-R)(Ritvo et al., 2010) and abridged forms of the 50-item Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ-10 and AQ-28). To determine the ability of the RAADS-R and the abridged versions of the AQ to predict a clinical diagnosis of ASD in an adult outpatient population. RAADS-R and abridged AQ versions will be completed by 250 normally intelligent adults, sequentially recruited from new referrals for ASD assessment in six outpatient settings in the Netherlands. Assessing clinicians are blind to the RAADS-R and AQ scores. At the end of the study, the clinical diagnosis (ASD or no ASD) will be related to the RAADS-R and AQ-scores collected prior to the assessments At present 198 adults have been included in the study, as well as 50 normal controls. The average age is 39 years (SD 13.2), and 80% is male. In March 2014 we will be able to present preliminary data on the predictive values of the RAADS-R, the AQ-10 and the AQ-28. Ritvo, R. A., et al. (2010). The Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R): A Scale to Assist the Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adults: An International Validation Study. J. Autism Dev. Disord.

RAADS-14 Screen: validity of a screening tool for autism spectrum disorder in an adult psychiatric population

BackgroundAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be difficult to distinguish from other psychiatric disorders. The clinical assessment of ASD is lengthy, and has to be performed by a specialized clinician. Therefore, a screening instrument to aid in the identification of patients who may have undiagnosed ASD should be useful. The purpose of this study was to develop such a screening instrument.MethodsBased on the 80 item Ritvo Autism and Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R), we developed a 14 item self-evaluation questionnaire, the RAADS-14 Screen. In total, 135 adults with ASD and 508 psychiatric controls completed the abridged version of the RAADS-R.ResultsThe RAADS-14 Screen score was significantly higher in the ASD group than in the control samples, with a median score of 32 for ASD, 15 for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and 11 for other psychiatric disorders (P < 0.001). A cut-off score of 14 or above reached a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 46 to 64%. A factor analysis identified three factors consistent with mentalizing deficits, social anxiety, and sensory reactivity relevant for the diagnosis of ASD. The psychometric properties of RAADS-14 Screen were shown to be satisfactory.ConclusionsThe results of this study indicate that RAADS-14 Screen is a promising measure in screening for ASD in adult psychiatric outpatients.

Developing an ASD Assessment Protocol for adolescent girls with attachment difficulties

This article describes the challenges and tools chosen when developing an assessment protocol for adolescent girls at Tumblewood Therapeutic Community.

Ethnic Composition of Children Referred into North Manchester Social Communication Assessment and Intervention Team with Suspected Autistic Spectrum Disorder

The paper assessed the ethnicity of referrals into SCAIT for possible ASD in the last financial year. Ethnicity information was compared to data from Manchester City Council on ethnic populations in electoral wards. There was found to be a difference between the percentage of referrals of different ethnic groups and the ethnic composition of the North Manchester population. Patients of White British, Bangladeshi, Chinese and Other ethnic groups were found to be underrepresented in the sample, whereas patients of Black African, Black Caribbean, and Pakistani ethnicities were proportionally overrepresented. There is a need for further investigation into ethnicity of referrals for assessment of possible ASD.

Breif Report: Sensory Abnormalities as Distinguishing Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Young Children

The purpose of this study was to explore the sensory profile of young children with ASD compared to young children with other developmental delays (DD) at first ASD assessment. Results found that young children with ASD had more tactile and taste/smell sensitivities and difficulties with auditory filtering than young children with other DD. Moreover, sensory scores were significantly correlated with stereotyped interests and behaviors. These findings support the hypotheses that young children with ASD show more sensory impairments than young children with other DD and that sensory symptoms are significantly related to stereotyped interests and behaviors. Results also suggest that sensory abnormalities are distinguishing symptoms of ASD that should be considered in diagnostic algorithms for younger cohorts.

Continuing Medical Education Program in Echocardiography

Article Title: Optimization of ASD Assessment Using Real Time Three‐Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography

Optimization of ASD Assessment using Real Time Three‐Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography

Optimization of ASD Assessment using Real Time Three‐Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography

Comparison of a General Developmental Screening Tool and an Autism Specific Screening Tool in Autistic Spectrum Disorder (Asd) Assessment

Comparison of a General Developmental Screening Tool and an Autism Specific Screening Tool in Autistic Spectrum Disorder (Asd) Assessment