HealthDay (5/17, Reinberg) reports researchers surveyed “203 pediatricians who screened more than 59,400 infants or toddlers [for autism] at their 12-, 18- and 24-month check-ups” and found that “only 39% of toddlers who had failed a screening looking for autism signs were then referred to additional expert evaluation.” Karen Pierce, the study’s lead researcher, said in a press release, “The lack of referral follow-through was because pediatricians thought that the results of the screen were wrong.” However, Pierce added that “if a parent noted that they were concerned, the referral rate increased to 70%.” The findings were published in The Journal of Pediatrics.
Related Links:
— “Parents’ Input Key When Screening Toddlers for Autism “Steven Reinberg, HealthDay, May 17, 2021