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Diagnostic procedures in autism spectrum disorders: a systematic literature review

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Abstract

At present, ‘gold standard’ diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is a lengthy and time consuming process that requires suitably qualified multi-disciplinary team (MDT) personnel to assess behavioural, historical, and parent-report information to determine a diagnosis. A number of different tools have been developed to assist in determination. To optimise the diagnostic procedures, the best diagnostic instruments need to be identified. This study is a systematic review addressing the accuracy, reliability, validity and utility of reported diagnostic tools and assessments. To be included in this review, studies must have (1) identified an ASD diagnostic tool; (2) investigated either diagnostic procedure or the tools or personnel required; (3) be presented in English; (4) be conducted in the Western world; (5) be one of three types of studies [adapted from Samtani et al. in Cochrane Database Syst Rev 3:1–13, 2011], viz. (a) cohort studies or cross-sectional studies, (b) randomised studies of test accuracy, (c) case–control studies. MEDLINE, PsychINFO, Scopus, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were scrutinised for relevant literature published from 2000 inclusive on 20th January 2012. In total, 68 articles were included. 17 tools were assessed. However, many lacked an evidence base of high quality-independent studies. The Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) stood out with the largest evidence base and highest sensitivity and specificity. When the ADI-R and ADOS were used in combination they revealed levels of accuracy very similar to the correct classification rates for the current ‘gold standard’ diagnostic procedure viz. 80.8 % for ASD. There is scope for future studies on the use of the ADI-R and ADOS in combination.

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Abbreviations

MDT:

Multi-disciplinary team

ADOS:

Autism diagnostic observation schedule

ADI-R:

Autism diagnostic interview-revised

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Magdalena Öström, Linköping University Library, Linköping University, Sweden, for her assistance with sourcing articles and Rhianna Benson, PhD student, School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work, Curtin University, WA, for her assistance to the review. This research was funded and supported by the Disabilities Service Commission of Western Australia. The funders had no input into the selection or analysis of data or the content of the final manuscript.

Conflict of interest

No support was received from any organization for the submitted work; no financial relationships with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work in the previous 3 years; and any other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

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  1. School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA, 6845, Australia

    Torbjörn Falkmer, Katie Anderson, Marita Falkmer & Chiara Horlin

  2. School of Occupational Therapy, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

    Torbjörn Falkmer

  3. School of Health Sciences, Jönköping University, Jonkoping, Sweden

    Torbjörn Falkmer

  4. Department of Medicine and Health Sciences (IMH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Rehabilitation Medicine, Pain and Rehabilitation Centre, Linköping University, UHL, County Council, Linkoping, Sweden

    Torbjörn Falkmer

  5. School of Education and Communication, CHILD Programme, Institute of Disability Research, Jönköping University, Jonkoping, Sweden

    Marita Falkmer

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Falkmer, T., Anderson, K., Falkmer, M. et al. Diagnostic procedures in autism spectrum disorders: a systematic literature review. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 22, 329–340 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-013-0375-0

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