Autism spectrum disorders are socio-communicative disorders associated with the presence of restricted and repetitive behaviors and activities. Diagnosis can only be made from the age of 2, but the first symptoms are present from the earliest months of life. Identifying symptoms as early as possible, even before the disorder fully manifests itself, is essential to reduce interference with development and prevent the onset of negative effects on relational and school skills, while promoting the integration of the child and their family.

The Win4ASD project involved the creation of a web platform for data collection and questionnaire completion, with the aim of identifying the onset of autism spectrum disorder symptoms early in children between 12 and 24 months of age.

The project started in 2017 as a research initiative by IRCCS Medea in Bosisio Parini (Lc). It then became part of the REAL project (coordination network for autism spectrum disorder in the Lombardy Region), where it was tested in “two different ATS areas (City of Milan and Insubria), involving child neuropsychiatry services and neonatal intensive care units of Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano and Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Valle Olona, with the aim of extending it to the many organizations operating across the regional territory.

“Through the WIN4ASD platform, we will provide tools for neurodevelopmental surveillance. We aim to establish a direct connection between family pediatricians and child neuropsychiatry services, in order to ensure continuity of care.
Massimo Molteni, Medical Director IRCCS Medea

The WIN4ASD project was promoted in the Lombardy Region’s 2021 “Regional Autism Operational Plan” as a screening platform for family pediatricians to carry out the CHAT (CHecklist for Autism in Toddlers) during health check-ups and to refer children with positive screening results to local Autism Functional Units (NFA) for diagnostic assessment and any necessary treatments.

The WIN4ASD platform therefore becomes the operational tool for connecting family pediatricians and the local network made up of 26 UONPIA units belonging to the ASSTs and 5 Services/UONPIA belonging to public and private IRCCS institutes.

Digital Innovation in Healthcare Award

WIN4ASD won the 2022 Digital Innovation in Healthcare Award from the School of Management of Politecnico di Milano in the “Hospital-territory integration services and Telemedicine” category.

SEGE has been involved from the very beginning, as a technology partner, in the design and development of the web-based e-health platform and is responsible for updates and support.

Congratulations to the entire WIN4ASD team: Paola Colombo, Noemi Buo, Silvia Busti Ceccarelli, Stefano Pacchiarini, Stefano Cribellati, and to Massimo Molteni for his vision and support.

“To learn more: www.win4asd.it