Modified checklist for autism in toddlers: cross-cultural adaptation and validation in Spain.

Early detection and treatment have been shown to be effective in reducing disability severity caused by Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). As Spanish pediatricians have no detection tool, the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) was first translated into and culturally adapted to Spanish. Validity and reliability studies were carried out in two different geographical areas of Spain, where M-CHAT was administered to two different samples, namely: 2,480 high- and low-risk children; and 2,055 low-risk children. The results obtained were similar to those yielded by the original M-CHAT studies. Differences were found in positive predictive value, due to the low ASD frequency observed in this study. M-CHAT is still being studied in a large population-based screening program in Spain.

[Trends in studies on autism in Spain: Publications and authorship networks (1974-2007)]. / Evolución de los estudios sobre autismo en España: publicaciones y redes de coautoría entre 1974 y 2007.

All the papers on autism published in journals by Spanish authors until 2007 were reviewed in order to identify changes and trends in studies, journals and authorship networks. A total of 567 works were analyzed. Results showed a continuous increase in the total number of publications and collaborative works (especially from 1999 onwards), as well as coincidence of the general framework of papers with the guidelines for research and treatment on autism that were published in the Anglo-Saxon arena for the same period. Some weak points were also identified, such as the low proportion of empirical and funded studies, low impact of the journals, and low author continuity, which have also been noted for other domains of research in Spain. We conclude that psychological and biomedical research on autism is currently a growing field in our country. However, important changes are needed, both in the way the authors conduct and communicate their studies, and in the commitment of some institutions (specially, universities and parent advocacy groups). Lastly, some proposals are suggested to improve the scientific quality of future studies and their usefulness for people with autism.

Evolución de los estudios sobre autismo en España: publicaciones y redes de coautoría entre 1974 y 2007 / Trends in studies on autism in Spain: publications and authorship networks (1974-2007)

Se revisaron todos los trabajos sobre autismo publicados en revistas por autores españoles hasta 2007 para analizar la evolución de los estudios, las revistas y las redes de coautoría en este ámbito. En total, se analizaron 567 trabajos. Se observó un incremento progresivo del total de artículos publicados y de los investigadores que trabajan en colaboración, especialmente en los últimos diez años, así como una notable coincidencia entre el enfoque general de los trabajos y las recomendaciones publicadas en el ámbito anglosajón sobre la investigación y el tratamiento del autismo para ese periodo. También se identificaron puntos débiles, como la baja proporción de trabajos empíricos y financiados, el bajo impacto de las revistas y la falta de continuidad de los autores, detectados también en otras áreas de investigación. Se concluye que los estudios psicológicos y biomédicos del autismo en España están actualmente en expansión, pero que se requerirían cambios importantes en el modo en que los autores desarrollan y comunican sus trabajos y una mayor implicación de las instituciones (especialmente, universidades y asociaciones de padres). Finalmente, se sugieren algunas propuestas para mejorar la calidad y visibilidad de los futuros estudios y su utilidad real para las personas afectadas(AU)

All the papers on autism published in journals by Spanish authors until 2007 were reviewed in order to identify changes and trends in studies, journals and authorship networks. A total of 567 works were analyzed. Results showed a continuous increase in the total number of publications and collaborative works (especially from 1999 onwards), as well as coincidence of the general framework of papers with the guidelines for research and treatment on autism that were published in the Anglo-Saxon arena for the same period. Some weak points were also identified, such as the low proportion of empirical and funded studies, low impact of the journals, and low author continuity, which have also been noted for other domains of research in Spain. We conclude that psychological and biomedical research on autism is currently a growing field in our country. However, important changes are needed, both in the way the authors conduct and communicate their studies, and in the commitment of some institutions (specially, universities and parent advocacy groups). Lastly, some proposals are suggested to improve the scientific quality of future studies and their usefulness for people with autism(AU)

Deteccion precoz y atencion de los niños con trastornos generalizados del desarrollo / Early detection and management of children with pervasive developmental disorders

Los Trastornos Generalizados del Desarrollo (TGD) o Trastornosdel Espectro Autista (TEA) conforman un amplio grupode alteraciones del neurodesarrollo que afectan a la personadurante toda su vida, produciendo discapacidad con diferentegrado de severidad. Aunque actualmente no hay un tratamientocurativo, diversos estudios han mostrado la importancia de la deteccion e intervencion precoz para la mejora del pronostico y la calidad de vida de estos niños y sus familias. A pesarde esto, no existen programas de cribado especificos para estostrastornos en el Sistema de Salud, por lo que la formacion e informacion a cerca de los mismos cobra una especial relevancia.Los profesionales enfermeros, como integrantes delequipo de Atencion Primaria, pueden ejercer una importantelabor en la deteccion de estos trastornos a traves de los programasde control del niño sano y en la derivacion y coordinacion con los servicios especializados (AU)

Pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) or Autism SpectrumDisorders (ASD) encompass a wide group of neurodevelopmentdisorders that affect the patient throughout life,producing different degrees of disability. Although at the presenttime there is no curative treatment, several studies haveshown the importance of early detection and intervention in orderto improve prognosis and the quality of life of these childrenand their families. In spite of this, there are no specificscreening programmes for these disorders in the HealthcareSystem, making education and information on these conditionsespecially relevant. Nursing professionals, as membersof a Primary Care team, can greatly increase the detection ofthese disorders via healthy children management programmesand referral and coordination with specialised services (AU)

La detección precoz del autismo / Early detection of autism

El autismo es un trastorno grave del desarrollo de origen prenatal, que afecta a la persona durante toda su vida. Durante la pasada década numerosas investigaciones han aportado información y experiencia sobre las posibilidades de los sistemas asistencialespara detectar precozmente el autismo. Este movimiento hacia la identificación de signos de sospecha ha llevado a un reconocimiento de que hoy es posible detectar antes los casos, lo que está mejorando el pronóstico del autismo. En el artículo se revisan las ventajasde la detección precoz y la atención temprana, se exponen los signos precoces del autismo y se analizan los instrumentos de mayor interés para la detección precoz en nuestro entorno. El artículo finaliza con una exposición breve sobre el estado actual del programa de cribado en Castilla y León, concluyéndose que la coordinación interprofesional, la sensibilización y la implicación social son aspectos clave para avanzar en la detección precoz del autismo en nuestro país

Autism is a serious disorder of child growth, stemming from the pre-natal stage and enduring the whole life. During the past decade a lot of studies have provided information about how to detect autism at an early stage. There is a growing acknowledgment thattoday’s early detection improves autism prognosis. This paper reviews the advantages of early detection and assistance; outlines early autism signs and describes early detection tools. Finally, the paper addresses the screening schedule undertaken in Castille andLeon, concluding that coordination between professionals and social sensitization and involvement are among the key aspects to improve autism detection in our country