Appropriateness of Using Autism Spectrum Disorders Screening Tools in a Hearing Evaluation Service.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to test the appropriateness of using autism spectrum disorder (ASD) screening tools in a hearing evaluation service.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-one children with a mean age of 2.8 years, of whom 33 (80.5%) were boys, were evaluated in an audiological diagnostic service using ASD screening tools that had been validated for use in Brazil and recommended by the Ministry of Health.

RESULTS: 82% of the subjects referred to the hearing diagnostic service over 18 months did not show any type of hearing loss, but 60% had early signs of autism. 10% had hearing loss and were at risk for autism.

CONCLUSION: The data emphasize the importance of the awareness and the training of professionals working with young children in ASD screening. The data also suggest that screening young children in a hearing evaluation service may contribute to more timely identification of children at risk for ASD.