Early Detection and Intervention of ASD: A European Overview

Abstract

Over the last several years there has been an increasing focus on early detection of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), not only from the scientific field but also from professional associations and public health systems all across Europe. Not surprisingly, in order to offer better services and quality of life for both children with ASD and their families, different screening procedures and tools have been developed for early assessment and intervention. However, current evidence is needed for healthcare providers and policy makers to be able to implement specific measures and increase autism awareness in European communities. The general aim of this review is to address the latest and most relevant issues related to early detection and treatments. The specific objectives are (1) analyse the impact, describing advantages and drawbacks, of screening procedures based on standardized tests, surveillance programmes, or other observational measures; and (2) provide a European framework of early intervention programmes and practices and what has been learnt from implementing them in public or private settings. This analysis is then discussed and best practices are suggested to help professionals, health systems and policy makers to improve their local procedures or to develop new proposals for early detection and intervention programmes.

A Two-Stage Screening Approach with I-TC and Q-CHAT to Identify Toddlers at Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder within the Italian Public Health System

“…Repeated and regular screenings may be more effective than a single screening to differentiate properly the early signs of ASD from other developmental conditions [9]. This statement is supported by a recent review containing six studies conducted in Europe on screening procedures and strategies, which suggest that an ASD population screening is more efficacious if it adopts a multi-stage approach and if it combines different screening tools in order to cover a wider range of age and severity of symptoms, thus minimizing the number of false negatives [16].…”

Епидемиологично Проучване На Разпространението На Разстройствата От Аутистичния Спектър В България

“…В рамките на предварителните срещи с училищни директори и класни ръководители, изследователският екип акцентира на ползите от откриване и диагностициране на РАС. На децата с поставена диагноза може да бъде предложен набор от комплексни интервенции, които да адресират техните специфични здравни, социални и образователни потребности [14][15].…”

“…Цялостният методологичен подход на ASDEU изисква писмено предоставяне на информирано съгласие за участие в проучването. Самите родители имат не по-малка роля при оценявнето и поставяне на диагноза [15]. Нивото на тяхното сътрудничество е от съществено значение преди, по време и след диагностицирането.…”

Elevated Plasma Reelin Levels in Children With Autism

“…In Europe, the average age of diagnosis of ASD is 3.5 years old, with great variability between countries. This is a fairly late age, given that some symptoms of ASD appear in the first year of lifetime, and highlights the gap between diagnosis and possible treatments (1).…”

“…Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders, characterized by deficits in social interaction and communication, as well as a wide range of stereotyped and repetitive behaviors. These characteristics are the basis of ASD diagnosis through behavioral tests and observation of the patients phenotype (1). In Europe, the average age of diagnosis of ASD is 3.5 years old, with great variability between countries.…”