Early screening of Autism among 18 to 24 months old toddlers using Quantitative-Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (Q-CHAT)

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 assessedby 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 otherneurodevelopmental 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.