Diagnostic Evaluation of Autism Spectrum Disorders, A Health Professional Survey
Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International,
Page 357-364
DOI:
10.9734/jpri/2021/v33i46B32949
Abstract
Background: Since the prevalence and awareness AutismSpectrum Disorders (ASD) is growing day by day, it is crucial to correctly allocate diagnosis of ASD. According to the guidelines, there should be a multi-agency strategy group for diagnosis of ASD.
Aim: To find out the diagnostic practices of ASD among different Health Professionals.
Place and Duration of Study: Riphah International University, Lahore campus. The study was conducted from October 2017 till March 2018.
Methodology: Data was collected from 116 professionals which included Speech-Language Pathologists, Pediatricians, Psychiatrists, Psychologists and Occupational Therapists by using questionnaire. A cross-sectional survey was carried out by using the technique of convenient sampling. Researcher collected the data from Riphah International University in person and some professionals were sent questionnaires online.
Results: Majority of professionals provide diagnostic service i.e. 84.4% as a part of multidisciplinary team whereas 15.6% are sole practitioners for giving diagnosis; 51.1% collaborate with other professionals to make a consensus diagnosis and the most frequently used tool by professionals for diagnosing ASD is Childhood Autism Rating Scale CARS (76.7%) and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders V/IV (DSM V OR IV) criteria (67.8%).
Conclusion: The professionals in the current study are using multidisciplinary approach for diagnosing ASD and a small number are sole practitioners. The most frequently used tool for diagnosing ASD are CARS and DSM V OR IV criteria. However, very few practitioners use the diagnostic tool Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule ADOS and Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised ADI-R. The professionals who provide diagnosis of ASD are Speech and language Pathologists, Psychologists, pediatricians, psychiatrists and Occupational therapists.
Keywords:
- Diagnostic tools
- diagnostic practices
- autism spectrum disorders
How to Cite
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