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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2024 Jun;54(6):2069-2080.
doi: 10.1007/s10803-023-05908-9. Epub 2023 Apr 25.

A Randomized Trial of the Accuracy of Novel Telehealth Instruments for the Assessment of Autism in Toddlers

Laura L Corona  1   2 , Liliana Wagner  3   4 , Madison Hooper  5 , Amy Weitlauf  3   4 , Tori E Foster  3   4 , Jeffrey Hine  3   4 , Alexandra Miceli  3 , Amy Nicholson  3   4 , Caitlin Stone  3   4 , Alison Vehorn  3 , Zachary Warren  3   4   6   7
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

A Randomized Trial of the Accuracy of Novel Telehealth Instruments for the Assessment of Autism in Toddlers

Laura L Corona et al. J Autism Dev Disord. 2024 Jun.

Abstract

Purpose: Telemedicine approaches to autism (ASD) assessment have become increasingly common, yet few validated tools exist for this purpose. This study presents results from a clinical trial investigating two approaches to tele-assessment for ASD in toddlers.

Methods: 144 children (29% female) between 17 and 36 months of age (mean = 2.5 years, SD = 0.33 years) completed tele-assessment using either the TELE-ASD-PEDS (TAP) or an experimental remote administration of the Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers (STAT). All children then completed traditional in-person assessment with a blinded clinician, using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL), Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, 3rd Edition (VABS-3), and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2). Both tele-assessment and in-person assessment included a clinical interview with caregivers.

Results: Results indicated diagnostic agreement for 92% of participants. Children diagnosed with ASD following in-person assessment who were missed by tele-assessment (n = 8) had lower scores on tele- and in-person ASD assessment tools. Children inaccurately identified as having ASD by tele-assessment (n = 3) were younger than other children and had higher developmental and adaptive behavior scores than children accurately diagnosed with ASD by tele-assessment. Diagnostic certainty was highest for children correctly identified as having ASD via tele-assessment. Clinicians and caregivers reported satisfaction with tele-assessment procedures.

Conclusion: This work provides additional support for the use of tele-assessment for identification of ASD in toddlers, with both clinicians and families reporting broad acceptability. Continued development and refinement of tele-assessment procedures is recommended to optimize this approach for the needs of varying clinicians, families, and circumstances.

Keywords: Assessment; Autism spectrum disorder; Telemedicine; Young children.

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Conflict of interest statement

Authors Corona, Wagner, Weitlauf, Hine, Nicholson, Stone, and Warren are authors of the TAP. They do not receive compensation related to use of this tool.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
ROC curves of the TAP with dichotomous ratings and Likert scoring methods
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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