A comparison of teacher versus parental nomination for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) prevalence estimation

Background and objectives / introduction As part of the European Autism Information System (EAIS) project to harmonise ASD detection, a protocol was developed for use across Europe. This protocol which uses a whole school... [ view full abstract ]

Background and objectives / introduction
As part of the European Autism Information System (EAIS) project to harmonise ASD detection, a protocol was developed for use across Europe. This protocol which uses a whole school population screening approach with parental completed screening questionnaire was deployed in one country (N=7,951). While feasibility was demonstrated, the approach proved time consuming, resource intensive and expensive. Other countries in Europe have used a teacher nomination approach which is less time consuming, less resource intensive and less expensive. The aim of this research study is to compare results obtained from these two approaches deployed in one country's primary school based population.

Methodology
Children in primary schools in one country will be screened for ADS prevalence using both approaches (Teachers nominated/parental informed) administered concurrently.

Results
The sensitivity and specificity of the two methods for ASD prevalence screening will be compared and contrasted.

Conclusions/Perspectives
This study will provide important information on the two most commonly used methods for ASD prevalence screening used to date across Europe and potentially facilitate the first harmonisation of the data gathered in different European countries to date.