Autism spectrum disorders screening and diagnostic practices: A survey of physicians

Paper presented to the 6th Annual Symposium on Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects (GRASP) held at the Hughes Metropolitan Complex, Wichita State University, April 23, 2010.Research completed at the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, college of Health ProfessionsIn 2007, AAP issued a policy statement recommending physicians screen all children for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) two times prior to child’s second birthday. It has been documented, however, that children are not being diagnosed with ASD until they are six years of age. In this study, physicians from Kansas (n = 69, 15.33% response rate) responded to a survey regarding screening practices for children with ASD. Of the respondents, 56 Pediatricians and Primary Care Physicians were included in the analysis. Only 21 (39%) of the respondents indicated that they routinely screened for ASD. Physicians who reportedly screen routinely were more likely to be pediatricians, female, and younger in age. They also felt confident about screening and diagnosing for ASD