Primary Care Clinical Pathway for
Autism Screening, Referral and Management
Related Pathway
ASD Screen Negative and
No Provider or Parental Concerns
No Provider or Parental Concerns
ASD Screen Positive and/or Provider/Parental Concerns
Continue ongoing developmental surveillance and screening during well-child visits
Recommended to Complete All Below
- Refer to Early Intervention or school district as soon as a diagnosis is suspected; do not wait for definitive diagnosis:
- Refer to Autism specialist or Primary Care Autism Champion if available for diagnostic testing to determine
if child meets DSM-5 criteria for ASD: - Consider additional assessments:
- Audiology evaluation for delay or inattention to language
- Behavioral strategies education modules for families
- Careful history and physical
- Offer medical investigation for etiology
- Additional Referrals
- Refer to Developmental and Behavioral Interventions
- Resources for Families
- Schedule follow-up in 1 mo
- Inquire about all therapies (including complementary or alternative medications/treatments)
- Counsel on what treatments are safe, evidence-based and worth trying
- Resources for Families
Posted: September 2015
Revised: April 2024 Editors: Clinical Pathways Team
Revised: April 2024 Editors: Clinical Pathways Team
Evidence
- CDC Signs and Symptoms of Autism
- AAP Autism Toolkit: Surveillance and Screening Algorithm
- Ethical and Policy Issues in Genetic Testing and Screening of Children
- Identification, Evaluation, and Management of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Promoting Optimal Development: Identifying Infants and Young Children with Developmental Disorders Through Developmental Surveillance and Screening.
- Executive Summary: Identification, Evaluation, and Management of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
CHOP Programs
Educational Media