Exploration and clinical application of online mode for early screening of autism spectrum disorder

CHEN Jierong; WAN Guobin; WEI Zhen; HUANG Minshi

doi:10.11852/zgetbjzz2024-1080

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Chinese Journal of Child Health Care ›› 2025, Vol. 33 ›› Issue (4) : 456-460. DOI: 10.11852/zgetbjzz2024-1080

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Exploration and clinical application of online mode for early screening of autism spectrum disorder

CHEN Jierong^1,2, WAN Guobin^1,2, WEI Zhen^1,2, HUANG Minshi^1,2

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Abstract

Objective To explore the feasibility of a self-developed scale based on an online platform for early detection of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods By referring to overseas online screening systems, existing screening scales, and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition(DSM-5) diagnostic criteria, a self-developed screening scale was compiled, with two age-specific versions with a total of 11 items. Based on this scale, an online screening system named "Xiaoxiaoqimingxing" was developed. From December 2019 to February 2020, 1 073 eligible children with an average age of (18.1±4.6) months were recruited from psychological clinics to take online screening. The screening effectiveness of the online system and its consistency with the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-up (M-CHAT-R/F) Scale were analyzed. Results When screening using the 12-month age-specific scale, a total of 568 children with an average age of (13.6±1.2) months were involved, yielding a sensitivity of 0.83 and a specificity of 0.98. When screening using the 18- and 24-month age-specific scale, a total of 505 children with an average age of (21.3±2.6) months participated, resulting in a sensitivity of 0.77 and a specificity of 0.81. The consistency between the self-developed scale and the M-CHAT-R/F scale reached 75.8%, with a Kappa value of 0.422. Conclusions "Xiaoxiaoqimingxing", as a localized online screening system for ASD, demonstrates good reliability and validity, although some items require further revision and community-based validation. The online screening mode exhibits feasibility and clinical value, warranting further promotion and use in early ASD screening.

Key words

autism spectrum disorder / early screening / online mode / localization

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CHEN Jierong, WAN Guobin, WEI Zhen, HUANG Minshi. Exploration and clinical application of online mode for early screening of autism spectrum disorder[J]. Chinese Journal of Child Health Care. 2025, 33(4): 456-460 https://doi.org/10.11852/zgetbjzz2024-1080

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