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Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised (M-CHAT-R) Validation in Portugal - Preliminary Findings
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) screening has been recommended as a way to start early intervention as soon as possible in order to improve outcomes. However, screening is not yet a common procedure in Portugal. In order to promote ASD screening, using a tool validated in other countries, an M-CHAT-R study has been started with the collaboration of Georgia State University. Preliminary findings are presented.
Objectives:
The main goal of this study is to start the validation of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised (M-CHAT-R) in Portugal as a screening tool for low-risk toddlers.
Methods:
Toddlers are recruited from two sources: childcare centers and pediatric check-ups. To date, 485 toddlers between 16 and 30 months (m=23.01, SD=3.92) were screened with M-CHAT-R. Parents of toddlers at risk on M-CHAT-R completed the M-CHAT-R Follow-up as an interview, and those who continued to show risk were evaluated using Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), Autism Diagnostic Interview Revised (ADI-R) and Griffiths Mental Development Scale.
Results:
From the 391 screened in daycare, 34 were positive (8.7%). After the Follow-up, six continued to screen positive and three were diagnosed with an ASD, two were typically developing and one had a developmental delay. From the 94 toddlers screened in pediatricians settings, eight were positive (8.5%), after the Follow-up two continued to screen positive; neither one was diagnosed with ASD (one had a developmental delay).
Conclusions:
Across the two groups, the M-CHAT-R performed similarly (8.7 vs 8.5% screened positive initially), suggesting that it is important to screen in multiple settings until screening is thoroughly incorporated into well-child care. The M-CHAT-R appears to be performing similarly to other countries’ studies, such as in the US and Spain. Professionals from daycares seem more willing to screen than pediatricians during check-ups. Portugal requires more information and awareness about ASD screening to help children at risk for ASD get identified and into early intervention as young as possible.