Early Screening of Autism Among 18 to 24 Months Old Toddlers Using the Quantitative Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (Q-Chat) Publisher



Mohammadi MR¹ ; Zahed G² ; Zarafshan H¹
Source: Iranian Journal of Child Neurology Published:2020

Abstract

Objective The aim of the present study was to screen the toddlers who are suspected to be autistic in their well-child visits at age 18 to 24 months via the Quantitative-Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (Q-CHAT). Materials & Methods After the screening, the screen-positive cases were clinically assessed by a child psychiatrist and a child developmental psychologist. The total sample included 2467 toddlers; the mean total score of Q-CHAT was 30.64 (SD: 9.133). Result According to the clinical examinations, 6 cases met the criteria for autism (equal to 5.8% of screen-positive cases and 0.25% of the total sample), and 18 cases had a high probability of autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders. Conclusion This study showed that the toddlers who were at risk of autism could be screened in PHC. Also, Q-CHAT could be used as a screening tool in Iran. © 2020, Iranian Child Neurology Society. All rights reserved.