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Evaluation of a Records-Review Surveillance System Used to Determine the Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Avchen, RN., Wiggins, LD., Devine, O., Braun, KV., Rice, C., Hobson, N., Schendel, D., & Yeargin-Allsopp, M. (2011). Evaluation of a Records-Review Surveillance System Used to Determine the Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 41(2), 227-236. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-010-1050-7
We conducted the first study that estimates the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of a population-based autism spectrum disorders (ASD) surveillance system developed at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The system employs a records-review methodology that yields ASD classification (case versus non-ASD case) and was compared with classification based on clinical examination. The study enrolled 177 children. Estimated specificity (0.96, [CI.95 = 0.94, 0.99]), PPV (0.79 [CI.95 = 0.66, 0.93]), and NPV (0.91 [CI.95 = 0.87, 0.96]) were high. Sensitivity was lower (0.60 [CI.95 = 0.45, 0.75]). Given diagnostic heterogeneity, and the broad array of ASD in the population, identifying children with ASD is challenging. Records-based surveillance yields a population-based estimate of ASD that is likely conservative