New Virtual Autism Screening Tool Could Help Families Detect Delays Earlier

For parents concerned about their child's development, waiting months or years for an autism evaluation can feel agonizing. Now, a new research study led by Kennedy Krieger Institute offers hope for earlier detection through an innovative virtual screening tool.

What's Happening?

Kennedy Krieger's Center for Autism Science, Services and Innovation (CASSI) is conducting a national study to test their new Social Communication, Interaction and Play Screener (SCIPS) – a one-hour online tool designed to identify autism and developmental delays in children as young as 12 months old.

According to Kennedy Krieger, most children aren't diagnosed with developmental delays until after age 4, despite research showing that early intervention leads to better outcomes. The SCIPS aims to help families recognize concerns earlier through an accessible virtual format.

Why This Matters for Autism Families

Early detection is crucial because:

The brain is most adaptable before age 3
Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes
Families can learn strategies to support development sooner

As Dr. Rebecca Landa, executive director of CASSI, explains: "The earlier you identify a developmental concern, the earlier you can get access to care for your child."

How the SCIPS Works

The screening involves:

Parents watch narrated videos showing typical and atypical social/play behaviors
They complete a questionnaire comparing their child's behavior to the examples
Families receive a report indicating potential developmental concerns