USPSTF: Not Enough Evidence to Recommend Screening All Young Kids for Autism

By Christine Judge

Edited by Lorenzo Di Francesco, MD, FACP, FHM

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has found insufficient evidence to recommend either for or against routine screening for autism spectrum disorder in asymptomatic children aged 18 to 30 months (grade I recommendation). This is the first USPSTF scientific review of evidence on the benefits and harms of autism screening in young children.

Clinicians should continue to pay close attention to parents' concerns and to use validated assessment tools (e.g., M-CHAT) to guide decisions on the need for further diagnostic evaluation and referral.

Dr. John Cowden of NEJM Journal Watch Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine notes that until further research is available to support stronger recommendations, clinicians can also access guidance from other bodies (e.g., AAP, AAFP) in decisions on autism detection and referral in young children. He also comments: "Although this statement is a critical foundation piece regarding the evidence, it should be understood as simply an evidence review, not an advocacy or policy-related statement."