Autism Can Be Predicted From Routine Developmental Surveillance Data
By Elana Gotkine HealthDay Reporter
FRIDAY, Jan. 12, 2024 -- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be predicted from routine developmental surveillance data, according to a study published online Jan. 10 in JAMA Network Open.
Guy Amit, Ph.D., from the KI Research Institute in Kfar Malal, Israel, and colleagues conducted a retrospective cohort study using nationwide data of developmental assessments conducted between Jan. 1, 2014, and Jan. 17, 2023, to develop predictive models for ASD. The study included all 1,187,397 children who were assessed at the maternal child health clinics that perform routine developmental surveillance of children from birth to 6 years of age.
The researchers found that the ASD prediction models performance improved with prediction age, with fair accuracy at 12 months of age. An area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.83 was achieved, with sensitivity of 45.1 percent at 95.0 percent specificity using a model combining longitudinal measures of developmental milestone assessments with a minimal set of demographic variables, applied at 18 to 24 months of age. An area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.81 was achieved using a model with single-visit assessments, with sensitivity of 41.2 percent at 95.0 percent specificity. The best performing models surpassed the pooled performance of Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, which had sensitivity of 40 percent and 95 percent specificity.
"This study's findings suggest that with the use of prediction models, ASD screening can be seamlessly integrated into routine early childhood developmental surveillance," the authors write. "The suggested approach may assist children in receiving timely interventions and achieving their developmental potential."
One author disclosed being a shareholder in LinkCaring Ltd.
Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.
© 2024 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Posted January 2024
Read this next
High Rates of Harassment Behaviors Observed in Obstetrics and Gynecology
THURSDAY, May 9, 2024 -- There are high rates of harassment behaviors within the obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) specialty, according to a review published online May 8 in JAMA...
Personalized Tool Can Predict Infants at Increased Risk for RSV
THURSDAY, May 9, 2024 -- A personalized tool can predict infants at increased risk for severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) who would...
Mortality Slightly Increased With Consumption of Ultraprocessed Foods
THURSDAY, May 9, 2024 -- Mortality is slightly higher in association with a higher intake of ultraprocessed foods, according to a study published online May 8 in The BMJ. Zhe...
More news resources
- FDA Medwatch Drug Alerts
- Daily MedNews
- News for Health Professionals
- New Drug Approvals
- New Drug Applications
- Drug Shortages
- Clinical Trial Results
- Generic Drug Approvals
Subscribe to our newsletter
Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.