Observation-centered approach to ASD assessment in Tanzania.

Journal: Intellectual and developmental disabilities

Volume: 52

Issue: 5

Year of Publication: 2015

Affiliated Institutions: 

Abstract summary 

Abstract In many lower-income countries, there is a paucity of assessment services for autism spectrum disorders (ASD)., Guidelines will be provided for conducting cross-cultural assessments in the context of limited validated resources in Tanzania. By examining behavioral, social, and adaptive differences we were able to provide differential diagnostic evaluations aligning with best practice standards for 41 children in Tanzania age 2-21 years. We describe the utility of a flexible, behavioral observation instrument, the Childhood Autism Rating Scales, Second Edition (CARS2), to gather diagnostic information in a culturally sensitive manner. We observed that the ASD group was characterized by significantly higher scores on the CARS2, F  =  21.09, p < .001, η(2)  =  .37, than the general delay comparison group. Additional recommendations are provided for making cultural adaptations to current assessment instruments for use in a country without normed instruments, such as Tanzania.

Authors & Co-authors:  Harrison Ashley J AJ Zimak Eric H EH Sheinkopf Stephen J SJ Manji Karim P KP Morrow Eric M EM

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations : 
Authors :  5
Identifiers
Doi : 10.1352/1934-9556-52.5.330
SSN : 1934-9556
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Adolescent
Other Terms
ASD;Africa;CARS2;Tanzania;assessment;autism;developmental delays;global mental health
Study Design
Study Approach
Country of Study
Tanzania
Publication Country
United States