Appropriateness of Using Autism Spectrum Disorders Screening Tools in a Hearing Evaluation Service

• Published in: Folia phoniatrica et logopaedica Vol. 68; no. 2; pp. 60 - 66
• Main Authors: Machado, Fernanda Prada, Palladino, Ruth Ramalho Ruivo, Damasceno, Lilian Lobo, Cunha, Maria Claudia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel, Switzerland 01.01.2016
• Subjects: Autism Spectrum Disorder - complications; Brazil; Child, Preschool; Female; Hearing Loss - complications; Hearing Loss - diagnosis; Hearing Tests; Humans; Male; Original Paper; Prevalence; Speech; Early diagnosis; Autistic disorder; Hearing tests; Language and hearing sciences
• ISSN: 1021-7762; 1421-9972
• DOI: 10.1159/000446984

Objective: The aim was to test the appropriateness of using autism spectrum disorder (ASD) screening tools in a hearing evaluation service. Patients and Methods: Forty-one children with a mean age of 2.8 years, of whom 33 (80.5%) were boys, were evaluated in an audiological diagnostic service using ASD screening tools that had been validated for use in Brazil and recommended by the Ministry of Health. Results: 82% of the subjects referred to the hearing diagnostic service over 18 months did not show any type of hearing loss, but 60% had early signs of autism. 10% had hearing loss and were at risk for autism. Conclusion: The data emphasize the importance of the awareness and the training of professionals working with young children in ASD screening. The data also suggest that screening young children in a hearing evaluation service may contribute to more timely identification of children at risk for ASD.