Computer system helps diagnose autism earlier

Credit:  Microsoft

A computer system prescreens children for autism at 24 months old. If the results of this prescreening identify possible autism symptoms, the system notifies the pediatrician so that further testing can be performed.

The CHICA (Child Health Improvement through Computer Automation) system, is designed to assist pediatricians who typically have limited time available for each patient's visit.  While parents are in the doctor's waiting room, they complete a personalized questionnaire generated by the CHICA system. CHICA interprets the answers to the questionnaire and prompts the doctor on areas that need additional examination.


"It is natural to worry about your child's development. Parents bring concerns to the pediatrician, and while pediatricians know how children should be developing, visits are brief -- and there is a tremendous amount to cover and juggle during that visit," said Regenstrief Institute affiliated scientist Nerissa Bauer, M.D.  "Autism isn't like strep throat where you can do a quick throat swab and then have a diagnosis. Autism is a behavioral diagnosis and can look very different depending on the child. Some behaviors are subtle, especially early on. CHICA prompts parents to think about whether they have concerns about certain health risks, such as autism, which makes it easier for the doctor to focus on key issues during a hectic visit."

Credit:  Microsoft

Under national guidelines, pediatricians are supposed to screen children for autism at 18 and at 24 months.  Many doctors however, do not have the time to do this type of screening when a child's visit also calls for vaccinations and other screenings. 

"What's important here is that CHICA will help pediatricians identify autism earlier when treatment is more likely to be effective," said Stephen M. Downs, M.D. of Indiana University School of Medicine. "Because physicians are busy juggling guidelines for preventive care and need to address concerns brought up by parents during the child's visit -- concerns which can supplant routine care -- CHICA helps them also address important screening and prevention."

The CHICA system was developed by researchers from the Regenstrief Institute and Indiana University. 

"Computer Decision Support to Improve Autism Screening and Care in Community Pediatric Clinics" appears in the October-December issue of the journal Infants & Young Children.

©Mary M Conneely T/A Advocacy in Action