Autism Spectrum Disorder Screening Refusal Rates: Findings from a Statewide Early Intervention Program

This study examined the refusal rates of ASD screening among infants and toddlers enrolled in EarlySteps, the State of Louisiana’s early intervention program. Participants (n = 4,296) were children aged from birth to 36 months who were enrolled in EarlySteps. The Battelle Developmental Inventory, Second Edition (BDI-2) and demographic section of the Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtism Traits- Part 1 (BISCUIT: Part 1) were administered to a parent or caregiver as part of the EarlySteps assessment protocol. ASD screenings were refused by 23.3 % of children sampled. Females were found to be at greater risk for screening refusal (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.338, 95 % CI 1.106–1.618). African American children were less likely to have screening refused than other ethnicities (OR = .746, CI 95 % .609–.915). Previous diagnoses of Down syndrome (OR = 3.934, 95 % CI 1.785–6.462), cerebral palsy (OR = 2.744, 95 % CI 1.436–5.243), seizure disorders (OR = 2.271, 95 % CI 1.208–3.638), and other genetic conditions (OR = 2.271, 95 % CI 1.273–4.052) were also found to increase risk of refusal. Children with a family history of ASD were less likely to have screening refused (OR = .351, 95 % CI .244–.505). Clinical applications and the need for more research on factors related to ASD screening refusal are highlighted.
Source: Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities - Category: Disability Source Type: research