Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) No one tool is the “best.

”
affects 1 in 68 children in the U.S. Each of the screening tools for ASD has A Guide to
ASD is a disorder that affects development. pros and cons, which can be seen in the
Symptoms of ASD can include social,
communication, and behavioral challenges.
This means children with ASD may
table. For example, the M-CHAT-R/F is
free, but may require a longer time Screening for

commitment by the provider and family.

Autism
communicate, interact, behave, and learn
differently from typically developing children.
All screening requires both
Early detection of ASD is provider and caregiver effort.
important for the best outcomes.
There is no cure for ASD. However, early
Administration and scoring of screening
tools requires some degree of training, Spectrum
either in terms of professional credentials

intervention services can lessen negative
consequences of ASD or prevent them all
together. Screening tools are available to
detect delays in development that may be
caused by ASD at an early age, yet the use
of these screening tools needs improvement.
It is important for providers and parents/
Disorder
or for the screening tool itself. It is equally
important to have the parent/caregiver
give consent to screening, complete the
forms, and have follow-up conversations
Early screening means
with the provider.
early detection

caregivers to understand the tools available.

and

Developmental vs. ASD-specific early detection means

screening tools. better outcomes
There are tools to detect developmental
delays and to specifically detect ASD. It is
important to realize that developmental
screeners should not be used in place of
ASD-screeners. They are best used together.

What are the tools? Brittany Blumenthal, MPH

The enclosed table provides an overview of School of Health Sciences and Practice
six screening tools - 3 are developmental New York Medical College
and 3 are ASD-specific. These tools were bmblumenthal@gmail.com
chosen as they have the best supporting (631) 521-0321
research behind them; it is not an all-
encompassing list. You will find a description
and information on important components to
consider.
 Developmental Child’s Level * Brief Description Administration Time to Provider How to
Screening Tools Age Method Complete Training Access &
Required Cost (kit)
(cost)
12-36 2 16 item interactive assessment Semi-structured 15 mins Yes;
Order online
Autism Detection in Early months between child and provider to observation by DVD provided from AUS

Childhood
identify child’s risk for ASD.
provider with kit $500
(ADEC) Early papers validate ADEC as a
screener for AD, more recent ASD.

Communication and 6-24 1 or 2 24 questions about child’s behavior Parent-completed 5-10 mins No
Online
Symbolic Behavior Scales months to assess whether child will have questionnaire download

- Developmental Profile: difficulty learning to talk. Free

Responses are assessed & scored (Questionnaire,
Infant Toddler Checklist
by provider. scoring form)
(ITC)

Parent Observation of 3-36 2 61 items to cover problem areas Parent-completed 20 mins No

Available upon
Early Markers Scale
months including core deficits of ASD questionnaire request from
based on parents’ observations. author
(POEMS) Responses assessed & scored by
provider.

Parent Observation of 16-36 1 7 item parent-rated checklist Parent-completed 5 mins No

Online
Interaction
months modeled from the critical items of questionnaire download

the M-CHAT, as well as DSM-5. Free

(POSI) Items scored comparable to typical (Questionnaire,
behavior. Responses are assessed scoring form)
& scored by provider.
16-48 1 20 questions to assess child’s risk Parent-completed 5-10 mins*
No
Online
Modified CHecklist for months level for Autism Spectrum Disorder. questionnaire; If *5-20 min download

AuTism - Revised/ Follow- Responses are assessed & scored child is at-risk, follow-up Free
up Interview
by provider. Level of medium risk provider conducts interview (Questionnaire,
(M-CHAT-R/F) determines need for required follow-up interview for at-risk scoring form)
follow-up interview by provider. child

24-36 2 12 item interactive assessment Semi-structured L Yes; Order online

months between child and provider to observation by Interactive $500

Screening Test for Autism identify child’s risk for Autism provider online training
in Two-year-olds
Spectrum Disorder. (included in
(STAT)
kit) Training
workshop
(added cost)
* Level 1 denotes a screener intended for a general population of children and intends to detect children at risk for any disability, although some Level 1
screeners are autism-specific. Level 2 denotes a screener intended to detect ASD in referred or high risk children. Its intent is to distinguish ASD from other
types of early childhood disabilities.