Training Pediatricians to Implement Autism Screening Tools: a Review of the Literature

摘要

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using an autism-specific screening tool for all young children at primary care well visits. Screening can detect risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in young children whose parents and pediatrician may not otherwise have developmental concerns. The identification of children with or at-risk for ASD increases their access to early intervention services, which helps ameliorate skill deficits associated with ASD. Recent studies indicate pediatricians use autism-specific screening and diagnostic tools infrequently. Some research has been conducted to determine whether providing training to primary care providers increases screening practices; however, evidence-based practices for training pediatricians to conduct ASD screenings or use other ASD identification tools have not been identified. We conducted a review of the research on training primary care providers (e.g., pediatricians) on the use of ASD identification tools with young children and their families. The results of this review point to a lack of high-quality research in this area. The information can be used to advance research, policy, and practice.