“I'm Worried About My Child”: A Longitudinal Investigation of Parental Concerns and Repeat Screening in Toddlers with Familial Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by differences in communication, social interaction, and restricted and repetitive behaviors. While 85% of parents report developmental concerns well before 36 months, the median age of first diagnosis is 51 months (CDC, 2020). Toddlers with an older sibling with ASD are at heightened risk (HR) of receiving an ASD diagnosis (18.7% recurrence rate; Ozonoff et al 2011). Early identification of ASD is critical for early intervention, which improves later outcomes. The AAP recommends universal ASD screening at 18 and 24 months but screening …