Abstract
Children referred for audiology evaluation due to speech and language delays represent a neurodevelopmentally high-risk group. The audiology evaluation is a behaviorally-challenging encounter early in the diagnostic process. We assessed interfering behaviors (IB) that complicated completion of audiometry as predictors of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. This retrospective cohort study using the Military Health System electronic medical record included 296 children aged 18 to 71 months. Children who displayed IB had increased odds of receiving an ASD diagnosis compared to those who did not (OR = 5.6, 95% CI 2.6–12.1). Interfering behaviors had a high specificity (81%) and negative predictive value (94%) for ASD. The audiology evaluation may represent an opportunity early in the diagnostic process to stratify risk for ASD.
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Drs. Meagher, Carlson, and Elrod designed this study in collaboration. Dr. Meagher reviewed literature and medical records, compiled data, and created and edited the manuscript. Dr. Elrod reviewed data, performed statistical analysis, and edited the manuscript. Dr. Carlson developed and clarified the behavioral observation classifications obtained from audiometric testing.
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All authors are employed by the United States Department of Defense. The views expressed in this article reflect the results of research conducted by the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Navy, Department of the Air Force, Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the United States Government. The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
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Meagher, S.P., Carlson, B.L. & Elrod, M.G. Behaviors Interfering with Audiometry Associated with Eventual Diagnosis of Autism. J Autism Dev Disord 51, 849–854 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04385-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04385-8