New USPSTF Recommendation Statement on Routine ASD Screening in Young Children

Evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of harms and benefits of routine screening for autism spectrum disorder in asymptomatic toddlers and preschoolers.

Sponsoring Organization: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)

Target Audience: Pediatric primary care providers

Target Population: Children aged 18–30 months for whom no concerns of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been raised by parents, healthcare professionals, or other caregivers

Background and Objective

The USPSTF conducted a systematic review to assess current evidence on the accuracy, benefits, and potential harms of use of short, formal screening tests to identify ASD in general populations of toddlers and preschoolers.

Key Points

Evidence is insufficient to assess whether use of current screening tools (e.g., M-CHAT, M-CHAT-F, M-CHAT-RF) either benefits or harms children who have not shown noticeable signs of ASD (Grade I reco…

Reviewing Author

Christine Judge

New USPSTF Recommendation Statement on Routine ASD Screening in Young Children

Topics

Background and Objective

Key Points

Reviewing Author