Image

Early Detection and Referral for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders at the Maternal and Child Protection Services

Early Detection and Referral for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders at the Maternal and Child Protection Services

Recruiting
3-12 years
All
Phase N/A

Powered by AI

Overview

This study aims to compare two screening strategies for identifying infants with a potential risk of Autism Spectrum and Neurodevelopmental Disorders to provide early access to care and increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome

Description

This prospective cohort study is performed at several Maternal and Child Protection Services in France. It aims to early detect infants under 12 months of age with a developmental gap compared to that expected for their age.

The first consultation will occur at the same time as the infant's usual medical follow-up at the Maternal and Child Protection Service (usually vaccination in the fourth month and developmental examination at nine months). Two strategies will be evaluated during this visit to assess the infant's neurodevelopmental characteristics. In the first one, a health professional will assess the infant's neurodevelopmental characteristics through routine practice evaluations, such as motor skills, vocalizations, babbling, and social interactions. In the second one, the PREAUT grid will be used for screening of screening for autism spectrum disorder.

Patients with abnormal results in these evaluations would be referred to a specialized center early for advice and treatment if necessary. We will consider an early referral as the referral of infants to an adapted consultation within the month following the first consultation. Also, these patients will be assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Form Y and T and the QUALIN score.

After 12 months of follow-up, data regarding the received treatments of patients who were addressed to a specialized center will be performed.

At 24 and 36 months of follow-up, all the included patients will be assessed with the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-up instrument (M-CHAT-R/F) ,and the IDE ( the French version of the Child Development Inventory). In case of an abnormal result of the M-CHAT-R/F, the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) will be administered. In case of an abnormal result of the IDE, the Brunet-Lézine scale will be administered.

Finally, the French health insurance claims databases will be used to evaluate the care pathway of all included patients up to 48 months of the child.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:in

  • Infants between 4 and 9 months of age followed up in the participating Maternal and Child Protection Services for the fourth and ninth-month mandatory vaccinations
  • Availability of a personnel telephone for at least one parent
  • Information to the parents for data collection and the active follow-up of the child until 36 months and express consent to participate in the research
  • Affiliation to a social security system or benefiting from the Medical assistance of the state
  • Mastery of a minimum of French according to the principal investigator or the presence of a French-speaking relative

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Infant with a severe neurological pathology such as encephalopathy
  • Refusal to participate in the study

Study details
    Autism Spectrum Disorder
    Neurodevelopmental Disorders

NCT05815095

Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal Creteil

10 September 2025

Step 1 Get in touch with the nearest study center
We have submitted the contact information you provided to the research team at {{SITE_NAME}}. A copy of the message has been sent to your email for your records.
Would you like to be notified about other trials? Sign up for Patient Notification Services.
Sign up

Send a message

Enter your contact details to connect with study team

Investigator Avatar

Primary Contact

  Other languages supported:

First name*
Last name*
Email*
Phone number*
Other language

FAQs

Learn more about clinical trials

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a study designed to test specific interventions or treatments' effectiveness and safety, paving the way for new, innovative healthcare solutions.

Why should I take part in a clinical trial?

Participating in a clinical trial provides early access to potentially effective treatments and directly contributes to the healthcare advancements that benefit us all.

How long does a clinical trial take place?

The duration of clinical trials varies. Some trials last weeks, some years, depending on the phase and intention of the trial.

Do I get compensated for taking part in clinical trials?

Compensation varies per trial. Some offer payment or reimbursement for time and travel, while others may not.

How safe are clinical trials?

Clinical trials follow strict ethical guidelines and protocols to safeguard participants' health. They are closely monitored and safety reviewed regularly.
Add a private note
  • abc Select a piece of text.
  • Add notes visible only to you.
  • Send it to people through a passcode protected link.