(Press-News.org) BALTIMORE, March 18, 2025— A new study led by Kennedy Krieger Institute’s Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation (CASSI) finds that a community-based screening model is helping children receive autism diagnoses faster, particularly in underserved communities.
The research, published in Pediatric Investigation, highlights how the Rapid Interactive Screening Test for Autism in Toddlers (RITA-T) is making early autism identification more accessible for families facing barriers to care. RITA-T is a quick, interactive tool that assesses developmental skills often delayed in autism, such as social engagement, joint attention, and response to interactions. Unlike traditional screening methods that rely on parent questionnaires, RITA-T uses direct observation, making it more effective in identifying autism. This approach enhances accessibility for families from underserved communities, rural areas, and families from minority groups where English may not be the primary language, helping ensure detection in children as young as 18 months.
Key findings from the study include:
Children screened with RITA-T received diagnoses an average of 67 days sooner than those referred through traditional methods.
Families from lower-income communities were more likely to be identified using the RITA-T model, helping close socioeconomic gaps in autism diagnosis.
Children in the RITA-T group traveled farther for evaluations, highlighting the model’s success in reaching communities with fewer diagnostic resources.
Dr. Roula Choueiri, Director of Primary Care and Community Partnerships at CASSI and lead author of the study, emphasized the importance of early diagnosis in ensuring children receive timely intervention.
“Too many families face long wait times and limited access to specialists,” said Dr. Choueiri. “RITA-T is accessible, simple to administer, and takes less than 20 minutes to complete. Once a child is identified through this tool, families are immediately connected with appropriate specialists and resources.”
The study examined 394 toddlers diagnosed with autism and showed that those screened using the RITA-T accessed evaluation faster than those referred through traditional pathways. The study also showed that this model reached more underserved and rural communities.
“The data clearly shows that RITA-T is an effective tool,” said Dr. Choueiri. “By equipping more providers with this screening model, we can improve early detection, reduce disparities, and help children receive life-changing interventions sooner.”
With the success of RITA-T, Kennedy Krieger Institute researchers emphasize the need for broader adoption of community-based screening models. Expanding provider training and integrating RITA-T into more early childhood and primary care settings could help ensure that all children have timely access to autism diagnosis and the support they need. These models and trainings are ongoing in Maryland, with plans to expand them to more communities and other states.
Visit our website to learn more about RITA-T and Kennedy Krieger Institute’s autism research.
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About Kennedy Krieger Institute
Kennedy Krieger Institute, an internationally known, non-profit organization located in the greater Baltimore/Washington, D.C. region, transforms the lives of nearly 30,000 individuals a year through inpatient and outpatient medical, behavioral health and wellness therapies, home and community services, school-based programs, training and education for professionals and advocacy. Kennedy Krieger provides a wide range of services for children, adolescents and adults with diseases, disorders or injuries that impact the nervous system, ranging from mild to severe. The Institute is home to a team of investigators who contribute to the understanding of how disorders develop, while at the same time pioneer new interventions and methods of early diagnosis, prevention and treatment. Visit www.kennedykrieger.org/ for more information about Kennedy Krieger.
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