A proposed algorithm for early autism screening in Polish primary care settings - a pilot study.

Researchers created a new way to screen for autism in young children (16-30 months) during regular doctor visits in Poland. They used questionnaires and direct observation tools. Out of 159 families who started, 29 children needed further testing, and 5 children were eventually diagnosed with autism. Parents' own concerns about their child's development were very important in predicting results. Some families dropped out because they were scared of getting an autism diagnosis.

This pilot study developed and tested an early autism screening algorithm for Polish primary care settings targeting children aged 16-30 months. The two-phase protocol used M-CHAT-R/F questionnaires followed by the Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers and Young Children (STAT) for selected cases. Of 159 participants completing phase one, 29 advanced to phase two, with 10 scoring positive on STAT and referred for comprehensive evaluation. Five of seven children who completed evaluation received ASD diagnoses.

Parental concerns emerged as the strongest predictor of M-CHAT-R/F results, while fear of ASD diagnosis was the primary reason for study withdrawal. The algorithm shows promise for implementation in clinical practice.

The algorithm shows potential for early ASD detection in primary care but requires larger validation studies. Implementation should include parent education to address diagnosis fears and improve participation rates. Integration of parental concerns into screening protocols may enhance effectiveness.

Pilot study with small sample size (only 7 children completed full evaluation). High dropout rate with many families withdrawing from the protocol. Study conducted in single country limiting generalizability. No comparison with existing screening methods or control group provided.

The rising rate of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) prevalence worldwide demands new screening algorithms to make the process of diagnosis more effective. General practitioners and pediatricians are well-positioned to screen all children aged 16 to 30 months during regular check-ups. In the research, the original algorithm for early autism screening in Polish primary care settings was proposed and tested. Based on the literature review, the original algorithm of early autism screening employing observational tool was developed and tested.

Personal data and M-CHAT-R/F were collected online. In the second phase, chosen patients participated in the Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers and Young Children (STAT). Children who scored positive were referred for the comprehensive ASD evaluation. Normal distribution was analyzed with the use of the Shapiro-Wilk test.

Chosen variables were compared using the U-Mann Whitney (nonparametric data) or Student's t-test (parametric data). The Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was calculated to analyze the strength of association between selected continuous variables. The threshold of the two-sided statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Of 187 parents invited to the project, 159 filled the form in the first phase.

According to the protocol, 29 children were chosen for the second stage. 10 children scored positive in the STAT session and were referred for comprehensive evaluation. 5 children out of the seven who attended the evaluation received a final diagnosis of ASD. Parental concerns were found the strongest predictor of M-CHAT-R/F results. Fear of having a child with ASD diagnosis was the most common reason for withdrawal from further steps of the protocol. The proposed algorithm for early developmental screening in the Polish primary care settings is a promising pathway with the potential to be implemented in clinical practice.

It contributes to the early detection of developmental difficulties and therefore results in positive therapeutic outcomes. Further research is needed.