The sample included 224 toddlers and preschoolers (age range: 24-63 months, males n= 153 ) who screened positive on an ASD-specific screening tool. The present study evaluated the utility of one such assessment, the Behavior Assessment System for Children, Second Edition, Parent Rating Scale-Preschool (BASC-2 PRS-P), for identifying young children with ASD from those with other diagnoses (including other developmental delays) and those without diagnoses. Given this, broadband behavioral assessments that measure symptoms of ASD as well as other behavioral and emotional challenges offer a cost-effective method for screening young children. Additionally, youth with ASD have a higher risk of experiencing co-occurring challenging behaviors that are beyond the diagnostic criteria for ASD (e.g., attention difficulties, anxiety).
Identifying young children with ASD is complicated by overlap among symptoms of ASD and other developmental delays. Early identification of toddlers and preschool-aged children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is important for ensuring that these youth receive targeted early intervention services.
