Translated and field-tested assessment tests expand the reach of autism diagnosis to an estimated 360 million people
(Oct 21, 2014) Researchers have successfully field tested a set of autism assessments that promise to improve early diagnosis and treatment of children in India. Autism Speaks co-funded the project with Action for Autism, an autism advocacy foundation created by parents in Delhi.
The research team – from the University of Reading, in the United Kingdom – translated and culturally adapted four English-language autism screening and diagnostic tests into Hindi and Bengali. As India’s primary regional languages, Hindi and Bengali are spoken by some 360 million people.
The team then tested the culturally adapted translations in two Indian cities with more than 150 children. All four tests proved effective and accurate in identifying children affected by autism.
The team’s report appears in the journal Autism Research.
Research has consistently shown that early diagnosis and treatment is crucial to maximize improvement in social skills and daily function among those with autism.
In addition, screening and diagnostic tests are crucial to determining autism prevalence in a country. India’s currently lacks reliable estimates. But such an estimate is crucial to gaining government funding and services for treatment and support.
“The absence of reliable, culturally appropriate screening and diagnostic tools has been a major barrier to research in low-resource settings worldwide,” comments Michael Rosanoff, Autism Speaks director for public health research. “Not only can these tools improve our understanding of autism in India, they can improve access to care for millions of individuals and their families in one of the world's biggest populations.”
Crude estimates based on autism’s prevalence in western countries suggest that India could be home to more than 1.5 million children in need of autism services. However, the actual total could be much higher, as poor prenatal and newborn nutrition increases risk for developmental disorders, including autism.
The study’s publication was among the highlights of “Autism Diagnosis in Low Resource Settings: Challenges and Opportunities,” a two-day conference co-sponsored by Autism Speaks. Participants at the meeting included autism researchers and advocates from around the world. They formed an expert committee to lead the development of freely available tools for diagnosing autism in low- and middle-income countries.
Learn more about Autism Speaks Global Autism Public Health initiative