[DIAGNOSING AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD) IN MEDICAL SETTINGS: THE PEER GROUP OBSERVATION TECHNIQUE- THREE CASE STUDIES].

Researchers developed a new way to diagnose autism in children and teens aged 6-18. Instead of just one appointment, children attend six group sessions over six weeks with other children their age. A doctor and psychologist watch how they interact with peers. This helps get a clearer picture of autism signs by seeing how children behave in natural social situations with other kids, rather than just in a clinic room.

This study presents a novel group observation technique for diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder in children and adolescents aged 6-18 years. The method involves six consecutive 50-minute sessions conducted over six weeks by a physician and psychologist team in a peer group setting. Three case studies demonstrate how this approach provides insights into social communication and restricted behaviors within natural social contexts. The technique aims to resolve diagnostic ambiguities and discrepancies that may arise from traditional single-session evaluations between clinicians and patients.

By observing peer interactions over time, the method offers alternative explanations for behaviors and enhances the overall diagnostic process for ASD.

The peer group observation technique may complement existing ASD diagnostic practices by providing naturalistic behavioral observations. However, empirical validation through larger controlled studies is needed before clinical implementation. The method requires significant time and resource investment.

This study only presents three case studies without quantitative outcomes or comparison groups. No sample size is reported, limiting generalizability. The technique's effectiveness compared to standard diagnostic methods is not empirically validated through controlled studies.

This study introduces a group observation technique to enhance the diagnostic evaluation of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children and adolescents. Conducted by a physician and a psychologist, the procedure involves six consecutive 50-minute sessions over six weeks, designed for individuals aged 6-18 years in a peer group setting. Three case studies illustrate the technique. By considering social context and peer interactions over time, this method helps resolve ambiguities and discrepancies in the ASD diagnostic process, uncovering alternative explanations for behaviors observed in single meetings between a psychologist and neurologist/psychiatrist with a patient.

Detailed case descriptions demonstrate the value of this approach. The group observation provides unique insights into social communication and restricted behaviors, offering a valuable addition to current ASD diagnostic practices.