Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder in community settings using the Development and Well-Being Assessment: validation in a UK population-based twin sample.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Increasing numbers of people are being referred for the assessment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The NICE (UK) and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend gathering a developmental history using a tool that operationalises ICD/DSM criteria. However, the best-established diagnostic interview instruments are time consuming, costly and rarely used outside national specialist centres. What is needed is a brief, cost-effective measure validated in community settings. We tested the Development and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA) for diagnosing ASD in a sample of children/adolescents representative of those presenting in community mental health settings.

Methods

A general population sample of twins (TEDS) was screened and 276 adolescents were selected as at low (

SUBMITTER: McEwen FS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4949990 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature