Penn study finds new tool reduces disparities in identification of autism spectrum disorder

A study by Penn researchers found that a new screening tool may be able to reduce disparities in diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder in young children.

The study, published in Pediatrics, examined the effectiveness of the Developmental Check-In Tool in identifying ASD among young children from low-income families or who speak English as a second language, Penn Today reported. The DCI, which is visually based, was able to accurately identify ASD in the majority of young children.

The study was conducted by Research Assistant Professor in Penn’s Center for Mental Health Zuleyha Cidav and Kenneth E. Appel Professor of Psychiatry David Mandell.

The sample included 637 children, the majority of whom were Hispanic, enrolled in Medicaid or uninsured, and from families where English was not the primary language, Penn Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics Blog reported. The study participants were recruited from early education programs.

The DCI is written in both English and Spanish, and includes visual aids across four domains: communication, play, social, and behavior. The tool is designed to be “easily administered and scored across settings,” according to the researchers. Children with ASD scored higher on each category than children who did not have ASD, Penn LDI reported.

A 2009 study published in the American Journal of Public Health revealed there are disparities in the medical diagnoses of ASD in young children. Hispanic children in particular are diagnosed at a lower rate than their peers.

Pediatric experts agree that early identification is important for early intervention and the long-term wellness of children with ASD.