After a final evidence review, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) issued a recommendation statement concerning the screening of children between 18 and 30 months who do not show symptoms related to autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
Mirroring a draft recommendation on the subject released this past August, researchers found insufficient evidence to determine what the benefits and possible harms could be from screening a child showing no symptoms for ASD.
The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) issued a similar recommendation.
"To date, autism research has appropriately focused on treatment for children who have significant symptoms," USPSTF Vice Chair David Grossman said. "Now, we need more research to help us understand the benefits and harms of screening young children whose parents, caregivers or doctor have not noticed any symptoms."
These randomized trials used as subjects small groups of children.
While current ASD testing methods can accurately detect the condition in children showing symptoms, there are no conclusive data on what the benefits or risks of screening asymptomatic children might be.
USPSTF and AAFP officials said health care providers should use clinical judgement to decide whether or not their patients should be screened for ASD.
More information about this recommendation is available online at www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org.
