Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adolescents: The Value of Screening in Late Infancy into Early Adulthood

Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adolescents: The Value of Screening in Late Infancy into Early Adulthood 1Nicole Hager, MS, Dr. Priya Bui, DO From the 1University of North Texas Health Science Center Pediatrics Department, Fort Worth, Texas, United States Abstract Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurological disorder that affects a patient’s ability to interact and socialize with others due to challenges they face with communication and behavior. ASD has become increasingly popular in the healthcare community but still, pediatricians find themselves lacking a standardized screening tool for their patients. At UNTHSC Pediatrics clinic, ASD is screened for at 18 months and 24 months of age by having the parents fill out a form called the MCHAT, or Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers. These questions specifically look for behaviors of social misconduct, abrupt reactions to environmental stimuli, situational overreaction and decreased emotionality, speech or eye contact issues, or the occurrence of repetitive behaviors. However, after 24 months of age, children with negative MCHATs are no longer screened for ASD even though as a child ages they can present more clearly with signs of ASD. ASD is commonly mistaken for multiple other psychological or neurodevelopmental disorders including but not limited to ADHD, OCD, anxiety, and depression. In this case study, we address the importance of screening in late infancy up through early adulthood by showing a case of misdiagnosis of ADHD in a patient with ASD. We will present tools and recommendations for pediatricians to use in evaluating patients for possible ASD.