Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder in Toddlers
The goal of this project was to help people learn more about early signs of autism in toddlers and to teach them about EarliPointTM, a medical device that can help diagnose autism in children ages 16 to 30 months. EarliPointTM is already authorized by the FDA for this age group.
To share this information, we gave presentations in different ways: in person, over Zoom, and in sessions where people could join either in person or online.
During these presentations, we also asked people to fill out short surveys. These surveys asked about their background, what they knew about autism and EarliPointTM before and after the presentation, whether they thought EarliPointTM was acceptable, and how satisfied they were with the presentation.
Survey Results
Across 11 presentations, 103 people attended.
- 82 people filled out at least one survey (either before or after).
- 33 people filled out both the before-and-after surveys, which helps us see how much they learned.
Who Participated?
Details about the people who took part are shown in the tables provided. “Missing” reflects that proportion of the 82 respondents who did not provide a response for that specific question.
-
Female: 58.5%
-
Male: 6.1%
-
Missing: 35.4%
- White: 51.2%
- Black: 3.7%
- Hispanic: 6.1%
- Two or more races: 3.7%
- Missing: 35.4%
- Person with ASD: 1.2%
- Caregiver of person with ASD: 7.3%
- Medical Provider: 37.8%
- Early Interventionist/School Provider: 7.3%
- Multiple Checked: 39.0%
- Yes: 57.3%
- No: 7.3%
- Missing: 35.4%
- Rural: 12.2%
- Urban: 51.2%
- Missing: 36.6%
- No: 67.1%
- Yes: 32.9%
People's Advocacy Skills Before the Presentation
Many people were already participating in advocacy before the presentation.
- Yes: 57.3%
- No: 3.7%
- Missing: 39.0%
- Yes: 59.8%
- No: 3.7%
- Missing: 36.6%
- Yes: 11.0%
- No: 50.0%
- Missing: 39.0%
How Helpful the Presentation Was
Most people found the presentation helpful for learning about autism and EarliPointTM, improving advocacy skills, and supporting people with developmental disabilities.
- Yes: 61.0%
- No: 2.4%
- Missing: 36.6%
- Yes: 63.4%
- No: 1.2%
- Missing: 35.4%
- Yes: 56.1%
- No: 3.7%
- Missing: 35.4%
- Yes: 40.2%
- No: 19.5%
- Missing: 40.2%
- Yes: 47.6%
- No: 13.4%
- Missing: 39.0%
- Yes: 59.8%
- No: 3.7%
- Missing: 36.6%
- Yes: 63.4%
- No: 1.2%
- Missing: 35.4%
- Yes: 63.4%
- No: 0%
- Missing: 36.6%
How Acceptable People Find EarliPointTM
Most people found EarliPointTM acceptable, said they would use it, and would recommend it to others.
- Strongly Agree: 45.1%
- Agree: 15.9%
- Neutral: 1.2%
- Strongly Disagree: 1.2%
- Missing: 36.6%
- Yes: 42.7%
- No: 12.2%
- Missing: 45.1%
- Strongly Agree: 46.3%
- Agree: 13.4%
- Neutral: 3.7%
- Strongly Disagree: 1.2%
- Missing: 35.4%
What People Learned About Autism and EarliPointTM
The presentation helped people learn more about autism and EarliPointTM.
The highest possible score on the quiz was 6 points. Before the presentation, people scored an average of 1.36. After the presentation, the average score went up to 4.17. This shows that people learned about autism and EarliPointTM.
We also used information we collected to run statistical tests, which helped us see how much people’s knowledge changed. A paired-samples t-test indicated participants’ scores increased from pre-presentation (M = 1.36, SD = 1.54) to post-presentation (M = 4.17, SD = .731). This difference was statistically significant, t(32) = 9.64, p <.001.
Thirty-three people completed a short six-question quiz about autism and EarliPointTM. Questions covered:
- Symptoms and features of autism.
- The youngest age autism can be diagnosed.
- How EarliPointTM works.
- What kind of information it gives doctors.
- The ages EarliPointTM is currently approved for.
- Strongly Agree: 47.6%
- Agree: 13.4%
- Neutral: 1.2%
- Strongly Disagree: 1.2%
- Missing: 36.6%
Frequently Asked Questions
Studies have already tested EarliPoint with kids up to 8 years old. Because of this research, EarliPoint might get FDA authorization for older children as early as early 2026.
No. A child does not have to walk to be evaluated for autism. Providers can test for autism in children who have motor and sensory differences, or other developmental concerns. These challenges should not stop families from getting an autism evaluation.
Yes. EarliPointTM can be used with toddlers (16 to 30 months) from Spanish-speaking families. Research shows it works just as well for Spanish-speaking toddlers as it does for English-speaking toddlers.
Patricia K. Zemantic, PhD, LP, BCBA-D, LBA
Director of Autism Diagnostic Clinic, MMI iCASD
Assistant Professor, MMI iCASD
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
This webinar was recorded. To request a copy of the video, please contact us.
Funding for this training has been provided by the Nebraska Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCDD).
The Nebraska Council on Developmental Disabilities is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $526,120.00 with 100% funding by ACL/HHS. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.