Examining how screening tools for autism may misidentify Black and Hispanic children.
The practical impact of inequitable item responding on the diagnostic accuracy of screening tools for identifying Black and Hispanic children with autism.
This study is looking at how well autism screening tools work for Black and Hispanic children, who sometimes get diagnosed later than White children, to make sure that all kids aged 3 to 5 get the help they need as early as possible.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wyoming NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Laramie, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11003776 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the accuracy of autism screening tools for Black and Hispanic children, who are often diagnosed later than their White counterparts. It aims to identify specific items within these screening instruments that may perform differently based on a child's racial or ethnic background. By employing advanced statistical methods, the study will analyze how these disparities affect the overall effectiveness of the tools used for diagnosing autism in children aged 3 to 5 years. The goal is to improve the diagnostic process and ensure equitable identification of autism across diverse populations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Black and Hispanic children aged 3 to 5 years who are undergoing autism screening.
Not a fit: Patients who are not within the age range of 3 to 5 years or who do not belong to the Black or Hispanic racial/ethnic groups may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and timely autism diagnoses for Black and Hispanic children, reducing health disparities.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that screening tools may not perform equally across different racial and ethnic groups, highlighting the need for this investigation.
Where this research is happening
Laramie, United States
- University of Wyoming — Laramie, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moody, Eric J — University of Wyoming
- Study coordinator: Moody, Eric J
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.