CHICA Automated System Improves Autism Screening Rate
An automated system, the Child Health Improvement through Computer Automation system (CHICA), helps pediatricians focus on the specific health needs of each patient in the short time allotted for preventive care and improves autism screening rates by identifying at-risk children at the 24-month visit., according to a new paper. Nationwide children typically are not diagnosed with autism until age 4½ or 5 years. Approximately 1 in 88 children has been identified with an autism spectrum disorder, according to estimates from the CDC's Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network. Once an autism diagnosis is made, it is easier for a family to obtain needed services, including early intervention to gain developmental skills. read more