Table of contents
  1. Multidisciplinary team
    1. Signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorder 1
    2. Signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorder 2
    3. Signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorder 3

Multidisciplinary team

Evidence reviewed as of before 20-05-2021

Author(s): Ogourtsova, T. (PhD OT) & Osman, G. (MSc OT student)


Signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorder 1

We found one feasibility study (Juarez et al., 2018) on a telerehabilitation assessment evaluating telehealth using Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers and Young Children (STAT), DSM-5 interview.

Purpose of assessment
The focus of STAT is to assess social, communication, child behaviors, visual reception, fine motor, receptive language, expressive language, overall early learning composite, adaptive behaviors, social affect, restricted repetitive behavior.
Health discipline
STAT was administered by a psychologist.
Population
STAT was administered to children (n=20) with Autism, aged 1.67-2.83 (mean= 2.22), 16M:4F.
Equipment & platform
  • Equipment used: wall-mounted camera
  • Platform: HIPPA (Cisco Systems) platform
Face-to-face comparison
A face-to-face comparison was conducted using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL), Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales- 2nd edition (VABS-II), Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2nd edition (ADOS-2), and DSM-5 interview in person.
Findings
  • Telehealth: 75% of children were diagnosed with ASD
  • 100% of children who were diagnosed with ASD using telehealth were also diagnosed with ASD with f2f
  • Significant difference in distribution of STAT scores (for diagnostic discrepant group). Average STAT scores for children diagnosed with ASD were 3.13 (sd = .66)
  • No significant difference in ADOS-2, MSEL, and VABS-2 for diagnostic discrepant group
  • Lower certainty rating for diagnostically discrepant children by remote psychologists. The lowest certainty ratings were for children where definitive ASD diagnosis was deferred (level of certainty on a 5-point likert scale: mean = 3.33, sd = 1.37
  • 78.95% sensitivity of telehealth assessment
  • Telemedicine saved families an average of 3.92 hours of travel time
Training required
STAT: training level 2 required.
Reference
Juarez, A.P., et al., Early Identification of ASD Through Telemedicine: Potential Value for Underserved Populations. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2018. 48(8): p. 2601-2610. https://pubmed-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.proxy3.library.mcgill.ca/29764328/

Signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorder 2

We found one feasibility study (Juarez et al., 2018b) on a telerehabilitation assessment evaluating telehealth using Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers and Young Children (STAT), DSM-5 interview.

Purpose of assessment
The focus of STAT is to assess social, communication, child behaviours, visual reception, fine motor, receptive language, expressive language, overall early learning composite, adaptive behaviours, social affect, restricted repetitive behaviour.
Health discipline
STAT was administered by a psychologist.
Population
STAT was administered to children (n=45) with Autism, aged 1.58-2.67 (mean= 2.23), 35M:10F.
Equipment & platform
  • Equipment used: wall-mounted camera
  • Platform: HIPPA (Cisco Systems) platform
Face-to-face comparison
A face-to-face comparison was conducted using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL), Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales- 2nd edition (VABS-II), Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2nd edition (ADOS-2), and DSM-5 interview in person.

Findings
  • 64.44% of children were diagnosed with ASD, 22% were not diagnosed, and 13.33% were referred for full evaluation. Significant difference in distribution of STAT scores
  • Children with ASD had a STAT score of 3.13, children without ASD had a score of 1.81, and children with deferred diagnosis had a score of 1.25
  • Psychologists were certain of their decision in 86.67% of cases
  • Good satisfaction from psychologists and families
  • Telemedicine saved 3.92 hours of travel time
Training required
STAT: training level 2 training required.
Reference
Juarez, A.P., et al., Early Identification of ASD Through Telemedicine: Potential Value for Underserved Populations. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2018. 48(8): p. 2601-2610. https://pubmed-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.proxy3.library.mcgill.ca/29764328/

Signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorder 3

We found one brief comparison study (Reese et al., 2014) on a telerehabilitation assessment Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2).

Purpose of assessment
The focus of ADOS-2 is to evaluate social-emotional reciprocity, nonverbal communication, developing relationships; stereotyped/repetitive speech, motor movements, or use of objects. Routines, rituals, resistance to change. Restricted, fixated interests. Hyper/hypo-reactivity to sensory input.
Health discipline
ADOS-2 was administered by a psychologist, speech-language pathologist, physiotherapist, or occupational therapist.
Population
ADOS-2 was administered to children (n=17) with Autism, mean age: 4.47 (range= 2.5-6yrs).
Equipment & platform
  • Equipment used: Monitors, PC, webcam
  • Platform used: None
Face-to-face comparison
A face-to-face comparison was conducted using the same assessment (ADOS-2) in person.
Findings
  • Moderate to excellent diagnosis accuracy (82%), specificity (78%), and sensitivity (88%) in both videoconferencing and f2f
  • Moderate to excellent inter-rater agreement for videoconferencing and f2f (agreement ranged between 52.9%-92.9%)
  • Parents had similar integrity in f2f and videoconferencing
Training required
Use by licensed clinicians - no other information found.
Reference
Reese, R.M., et al., Brief Report: Use of Interactive Television in Identifying Autism in Young Children: Methodology and Preliminary Data. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders., 2014. 21. https://pubmed-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.proxy3.library.mcgill.ca/25331323/