Developmental Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Iranian Pre-Schoolers.

PURPOSE

Early identification and intervention is recommended for developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Various screening tools are available, but most were developed in affluent English speaking countries.

DESIGN AND METHODS

In order to identify possible early signs of ASD within Iranian society, parents of 623 children in an age range from 3 to 7 years of age at risk of ASD, were interviewed about the signs that alerted their concerns. Also two screening instruments were developed and tested with the parents using items derived from the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale (GARS2). One focused on autistic behaviors and the second on developmental indicators.

RESULTS

Using both tools, 93% of the children who were identified as likely to have ASD based on a full GARS assessment were identified using the two screening tools.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

These assessments might be used in initial screening for ASD by early year's personnel or public health professionals with Iranian parents of toddlers who have concerns about their child's development.