Screening and surveillance

Abstract

Within the context of typical development, it is not unusual for a child to show a slight delay in reaching a developmental milestone. Healthcare providers and parents may adopt a wait-and-see approach for some delays with little consequence to the child’s outcome. In the case of early signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that often manifest as developmental delays, however, acting early to evaluate the child’s development and provide early intervention is key to better outcomes. Early identification is defined as having a comprehensive developmental evaluation of possible ASD symptoms no later than age 3, but a growing body of research has shown identification can be accurate and stable at younger ages. Navigating the differences between minor delays and signs of ASD is best conducted by combining forces between parents and health or other early childhood care providers using both ASD screening and developmental surveillance. This chapter outlines guidelines and resources for both screening and surveillance from professional organizations, ASD researchers, and healthcare agencies.