Pediatric Primary Care Clinical Pathway for
Autism Screening and Referral
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 for Educational Services:
- Early Intervention (< 3 yrs)
- Preschool Services (3-5 yrs)
- School District (5-21 yrs)
- Refer to Autism specialist for diagnostic testing to determine if child meets DSM-5 criteria for ASD:
- Consider additional assessments:
- Audiology evaluation (for children with language delay or inattention to language)
- Families waiting for an evaluation or post-diagnosis can learn about behavioral strategies:
- ADEPT provides online modules that teach functional skills using applied behavior analysis
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center provides free online training
- Careful history and physical
- Offer medical investigation for etiology
- Additional Referrals
- Refer for Developmental and Behavioral Interventions
- Schedule follow-up in 1 month
- Inquire about all therapies (including complementary or alternative medications/treatments)
- Counsel on what treatments are safe, evidence-based and worth trying
Posted: September 2015
Revised: May 2023 Editors: Clinical Pathways Team
Revised: May 2023 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
Resources for ASD Evaluations in Philadelphia