title: Identifying autism early: The Toddlers at Risk of Autism Clinic model.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This paper describes the Toddlers at Risk of Autism Clinic (TRAC), which utilises the Social Attention and Communication Study (SACS) and/or Autism Detection in Early Childhood (ADEC) play-based assessments to facilitate the early diagnosis of autism.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective audit was conducted of all 42 children assessed over a 3-year period in the TRAC. A semi-structured interview and play-based assessment (SACS and ADEC) were used to aid experienced clinicians in diagnosing autism. Intervention was recommended, and families were routinely followed up. Analysis was conducted on the tools used, the outcomes of assessment, diagnosis and stability of diagnosis on follow-up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During this period, 35 boys and 7 girls were assessed, with a mean age of 25 months. The average waiting time for clinic was 11.6 weeks. Twenty-five patients were diagnosed with autism; 90.5% of toddlers given an initial diagnosis retained that diagnosis at follow-up. Out of the 17 children who were not diagnosed with autism in the TRAC, one child was later diagnosed with autism.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Experienced clinicians can use the SACS and/or ADEC to assist with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual diagnosis of autism in toddlers.
authors.affiliation: Kogarah Developmental Assessment Service, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Tessa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.affiliation: Kogarah Developmental Assessment Service, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Deirdre
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Clifton
authors.affiliation: Kogarah Developmental Assessment Service, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Con
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Papadopoulos
mesh_terms: D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008485:Medical Audit; D010988:Play and Playthings; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012189:Retrospective Studies
keywords: autism; autistic disorder; child development; early diagnosis; early intervention