Early screening for autism spectrum disorders: A primer for social work practice

Early identification of autism spectrum disorders has been demonstrated to result in material benefits to children, their families, and society by reducing problem behaviors, improving academic achievement and school outcomes, and increasing social participation. Early intervention also reduces the costs and associated morbidity of autism spectrum disorders across the life span. Despite significant advances in the ability of screening tools to detect autism spectrum disorders in young children, previous research has found that most children are not identified until they are in school, and past the age at which early intervention services are most beneficial. Social workers, given their presence across a wide range of service settings, are uniquely positioned to identify preschool children with autism spectrum disorders and refer them for additional diagnostic services and evidence-based interventions. In this paper, a basic primer on autism spectrum disorders is provided, along with descriptions of the various screening tools appropriate for children ages 3 and younger that social workers can implement in their own practice settings. Policy and practice implications are discussed.

Research highlights
► Early detection of autism spectrum disorders benefits children, families and society.
► Screening tools can identify young children at-risk for autism spectrum disorders.
► Many children are identified past the age at which early intervention is most useful.
► Social workers are uniquely placed to screen and refer for autism spectrum disorders.
► We provide a primer of screening tools to implement in social work practice settings.