Introduction
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a significant public health concern, affecting millions of children worldwide. In India, autism has been recognized as a certifiable disability under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism (ISAA) is a comprehensive tool used for certifying disability but is time-consuming and requires trained professionals. To address this, a new research initiative aims to develop a simplified screening tool based on the ISAA, known as the Indian Autism Screening Questionnaire (IASQ).
Why a New Screening Tool?
The need for a simpler, faster screening tool is crucial. Current methods, while thorough, are not feasible for widespread community use due to their complexity and the need for specialized training. The IASQ aims to bridge this gap by providing a quick and easy method for early identification of autism, which is essential for timely intervention and support.
Research Methodology
The development of the IASQ is structured in three phases:
- Phase 1: Utilizes data from the original ISAA study to identify frequently answered questions, forming the basis of the screening tool. This phase focuses on creating a concise questionnaire with yes/no responses.
- Phase 2: Involves testing the psychometric properties of the IASQ among participants from hospitals and special schools. The goal is to ensure the tool's sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV).
- Phase 3: Administers the IASQ in the community to validate its effectiveness on a larger scale, aiming for a sample size of 500 participants.
Expected Outcomes
The IASQ is designed to be a user-friendly tool that can be administered by community health workers, teachers, or school counselors. While it will not diagnose autism, a positive result will prompt a comprehensive assessment by a specialist. The tool's development focuses on achieving high sensitivity and specificity to minimize false positives and negatives, thereby ensuring reliable screening results.
Implications for Practitioners
For practitioners, the IASQ represents a significant advancement in autism screening. By incorporating this tool into their practice, educators and healthcare providers can improve early detection rates, leading to better outcomes for children with autism. Practitioners are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the tool and consider its integration into routine screenings.
Encouraging Further Research
The development of the IASQ is a step towards more accessible autism screening. However, continuous research is essential to refine the tool and adapt it to different cultural contexts. Practitioners are encouraged to engage with ongoing research and contribute to the evolution of autism screening methodologies.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Protocol for Development of the Indian Autism Screening Questionnaire: The Screening Version of the Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism.
