1. Early Identification of ASD Through Telemedicine: Potential Value for Underserved Populations.
- Author
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Weitlauf, Amy S., Nicholson, Amy, Pasternak, Anna, Broderick, Neill, Hine, Jeffrey, Stainbrook, J. Alacia, Juárez, A. Pablo, and Warren, Zachary
- Subjects
DIAGNOSIS of autism ,PSYCHOLOGY of caregivers ,DIAGNOSTIC errors ,MEDICALLY underserved areas ,PSYCHOLOGY of children with disabilities ,TELEMEDICINE ,MEDICALLY underserved persons ,EARLY diagnosis - Abstract
Increasing access to diagnostic services is crucial for identifying ASD in young children. We therefore evaluated a telemedicine assessment procedure. First, we compared telediagnostic accuracy to blinded gold-standard evaluations (n = 20). ASD cases identified via telemedicine were confirmed by in-person evaluation. However, 20% of children diagnosed with ASD in-person were not diagnosed via telemedicine. Second, we evaluated telediagnostic feasibility and acceptability in a rural catchment. Children (n = 45) and caregivers completed the telemedicine procedure and provided feedback. Families indicated high levels of satisfaction. Remote diagnostic clinicians diagnosed 62% of children with ASD, but did not feel capable of ruling-in or out ASD in 13% of cases. Findings support preliminary feasibility, accuracy, and clinical utility of telemedicine-based assessment of ASD for young children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
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