title: Developmental and autism screening through 2-1-1: reaching underserved families.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Developmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), are increasing in prevalence. Early identification is necessary for early intervention, which is critical for reducing challenges and lifetime costs, especially for ASDs. Because not all children have equal access to developmental and autism screening through primary care settings, nontraditional methods are needed to reach underserved populations.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  In this proof-of-concept study, the 2-1-1 Los Angeles County Developmental Screening Project (2-1-1 LA Project) provided developmental and autism screening by telephone in a population of low-income and racially and ethnically diverse children.
  
  
  METHODS
  Aggregate data were reviewed for 2845 children who were screened for developmental delays using the Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS) instrument and/or autism using the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) instrument between September 1, 2009, and October 31, 2011.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Data analysis was conducted December 2011 through February 2012. A majority of children (56%) screened with the PEDS had a moderate to high risk of developmental delays, including 28.2% classified as high-risk, which indicates need for further evaluation. Among 1605 children screened with the M-CHAT, 21.2% had an elevated risk of ASDs. Follow-up care coordination was provided for 2625 children to facilitate completion of referrals for diagnostic evaluation, early childhood education, and other developmental or behavioral needs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The project's approach enhanced access to screenings and referral uptake in a population of children that may have difficulty accessing primary care. Findings suggest the potential of nontraditional developmental screening models.
authors.affiliation: Health Communication Research Laboratory, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri 63112, USA. aroux@wustl.edu
authors.forename: Anne M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Roux
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Herrera
authors.forename: Cheryl M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Wold
authors.forename: Margaret C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Dunkle
authors.forename: Frances P
authors.initials: FP
authors.lastname: Glascoe
authors.forename: Paul T
authors.initials: PT
authors.lastname: Shattuck
mesh_terms: D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007255:Information Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015141:Los Angeles; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D011203:Poverty; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D044469:Racial Groups; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors; D013689:Telephone