Identification, Evaluation, and Management of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

(2020, January) | Useful to Parent Centers, clinicians and service providers working with children with ASD, and families with children with ASD

For the first time in 12 years, the American Academy of Pediatrics has issued a report that includes updated clinical recommendations on autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The 71-page report provides updates on the increasing number of children with ASD, as well as expanded knowledge on risk factors, co-occurring medical and behavioral conditions, genetic contributions, and the body of research on evidence-based interventions. The document is searchable by topic and includes a glossary.

Access the full report at: https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/pediatrics/145/1/e20193447.full.pdf

Additional Information about the Report

Authors: Susan L. Hyman, Susan E. Levy, Scott M. Myers and the Council on Children with Disabilities, Section on Developmental and Behavior Pediatrics.
Pediatrics January 2020, 145(1) e20193447; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2019-3447

The updated clinical report builds on previous reports and guidance for care of children and youth with ASD. It also reflects changes in diagnostic criteria after publication of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM5) in 2013. The DSM-5 established a single category of ASD to replace the subtypes of autistic disorder, Asperger syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (as set forth in the earlier Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision, the DSM-IV-TR). This updated document aims to provide primary care providers with a summary of current information in a single report that will help guide them in providing a medical home for the patient with ASD.

The report is divided into the following sections:

Introduction

1 | Prevalence

2 | Clinical Symptoms

3 | Screening and Diagnosis

4 | Etiologic Evaluation

5 | Interventions

6 | Working with Families

7| Research and Service Needs

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