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Screening for autism spectrum disorders in primary care settings

Diana L Robins1

  • 1Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302-5010, USA. drobins@gsu.edu

Autism : the International Journal of Research and Practice
|September 23, 2008
PubMed

Insights

The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) effectively screens for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in primary care. Early identification using M-CHAT and follow-up interviews aids in diagnosing ASD in toddlers.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Clinical Research

Background:

  • Established need for autism-specific screening in pediatric well-child visits.
  • Requirement for validated screening instruments in primary care settings.
  • Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) diagnosis relies on early identification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Evaluate the effectiveness of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) and its follow-up interview.
  • Assess the positive predictive value (PPV) of M-CHAT in identifying toddlers at risk for ASD.
  • Determine the utility of M-CHAT in real-world primary care settings.

Main Methods:

  • Screened 4797 children using M-CHAT during toddler checkups.
  • Administered M-CHAT Follow-Up Interview to children screening positive.
  • Evaluated diagnostic outcomes for children showing continued risk for ASD.

Main Results:

  • 466 children screened positive on M-CHAT; 61 showed continued risk after follow-up.
  • 21 out of 41 evaluated children were diagnosed with ASD.
  • The PPV of M-CHAT plus interview was 0.57; pediatricians identified only 4 of 21 ASD cases.

Conclusions:

  • M-CHAT is an effective tool for identifying ASD in primary care.
  • M-CHAT and follow-up interview enhance early ASD detection.
  • Further longitudinal research is planned for the studied cohort.

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