Characterizing Available Tools for Synchronous Virtual Assessment of Toddlers with Suspected Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Brief Report.
Natalie I Berger, Allison L Wainer, Jocelyn Kuhn and 8 others
PMID 33606157WHAT IT FOUND
Five telehealth observational tools are available to assess toddlers with suspected autism during a synchronous video visit, but none has published data on how well it measures symptoms, and all are only one part of a full diagnosis.
Key findings
01Five remote tools were identified, and all are designed as one part of a comprehensive ASD assessment, not a stand-alone diagnosis.
02The tools are selected for children aged 12 to 36 months and involve direct observation of child behavior with live communication between caregiver and clinician.
03None had published data on measurement quality at the time of writing, and the tools are still early in validation and subject to change.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The review may not include every synchronous virtual tool developed during COVID-19. No published data on measurement quality were available for any tool at the time of writing. The tools are early in validation and subject to change. The report describes tools but does not test them in patients or compare how well they diagnose ASD. Telehealth requires reliable internet and equipment, and four tools require family toys, so some families may be unable to use them. The authors note that under-resourced families may receive less valid assessments if later validation is based mainly on families who have the required toys and technology.
Declared interests
The only funding statement provided names the National Institute of Mental Health. The text does not report other conflicts or a sponsor role in design or writing.
The easy way to misread this
Do not treat any of these five tools as a stand-alone diagnostic test. The paper says none had published data on measurement quality and all are intended to be used with other information.