Detection & Connection Program:
Early Autism Identification & Intervention

The Pediatrics Detection & Connection Project aims to improve early ASD identification and intervention by utilizing a novel ASD screener (PDQ-1) to detect signs of autism in toddlers ages 18 – 36 months old. Positive screened children and families are then connected to a peer-support organization (Mom2Mom), who provide additional information/guidance regarding next steps and facilitate linkage to early intervention services and diagnostic evaluations.

Please reach out to us at pediatrics@njms.rutgers.edu if you’re interested in learning more about this project or partnering with us to implement the Pediatrics Detection & Connection Program at your practice/clinic.

Detection

The Psychological Development Questionnaire for Toddlers (PDQ-1) -- a brief, parent-report questionnaire, was developed by Rutgers--NJ Medical School investigators. The screener was designed to mark the social-pragmatic development of children between 18 and 36 months. The PDQ-1 can be administered in less than 3 minutes. The PDQ-1 was designed to be self-administered as a paper and pencil survey, or can be provided verbally through an associate.  PDQ-1 scoring can be completed in 3 minutes and yields a total score that is taken to represent early psychological awareness and relatedness.  A high PDQ-1 score (>15) is consistent with age-appropriate levels of social-communication development.  A PDQ-1 score falling below the risk threshold (≤12) may signify increased risk for psychological (social communication) deficit consistent with ASD.  Preliminary evidence using the PDQ-1 prospectively for ASD screening of general populations (Level 1) was positive (Zahorodny et al., 2018). 

Scoring Instructions:

  • PDQ-1 score ≤12: POSITIVE (at-risk)

  • PDQ-1 score 13-15: INCONCLUSIVE/BORDERLINE (might be at-risk)

  • PDQ-1 score ≥ 16: NEGATIVE (not at-risk)

 

Free access to the PDQ-1 (English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole) is provided below, both digitally (automatic scoring/interpretation) and in PDF form (manual scoring needed):



PDQ-1 Validation Study

 

Connection

Mom2Mom
Mom2Mom is a peer support helpline staffed by moms of special needs children and adults. All Mom2Mom peers are trained peer support and crisis counselors. They offer peer support counseling, a place to vent, reassurance, a sounding board, advocacy skill building, and access to expert advice and reliable resources to help improve the lives of moms.
M2M website