Gothenburg achieves earlier autism diagnosis for children

A recent study has found that collaboration between child health services and specialist care can lead to earlier diagnoses of autism in children. Research from the University of Gothenburg indicates that children are now being diagnosed, on average, one year earlier than before. Young children often show signs of autism, like trouble with social communication or repetitive behaviors. In the past, it could take a long time for these children to get assessed and find the right support. At Angered Hospital in Gothenburg, a new approach has been tested. This approach combines child health services, specialist care, and local preschools. Pediatric nurses have been trained to identify early signs of autism. Now, children who may have autism receive immediate support and are referred to specialists more quickly. The results have been encouraging. Families are getting help sooner, and the average age of diagnosis has decreased from three years and eight months to two years and seven months. Emilia Carlsson, a researcher at the University of Gothenburg, emphasizes that early identification leads to better support for families without long waiting times. The study notes that this collaborative approach has been particularly beneficial in Angered, an area with many immigrant families and previous outreach difficulties. The successful collaboration from this project is expected to continue. Experts believe that improved teamwork within the healthcare system can significantly help children and their families. The model used in this study could be applied in other regions, provided there is sufficient training for healthcare staff and resources to support children as soon as autism is suspected. The findings of this study were published in the journal Frontiers in Pediatrics and were supported by regional funding initiatives.