Online expert system for screening autism: an item analysis

The number of children diagnosed with autism is growing rapidly and is a warning sign considered internationally. Autism is a neurological disorder that impedes communication, behavior and social interaction. This disorder has a crucial effect on individuals, functioning, as well as on their educational and social affairs. The aim of the present study was to develop an expert system to help professionals to screen autistic children accurately. It provides comprehensive information on autism helping to diagnose autistic children. To this end, this study is preliminary one that to select the questions required by the system. A questionnaire was developed based on the related literature, and then, has been studied by the experts in the area of psychology and special education, selecting more important questions on the basis of professional judgments. The final questionnaire was completed by 53 parents of autistic children in a center for the treatment of autistic disorders, 49 parents of normal children, and 20 parents of children with Down syndrome. The data were analyzed using Cronbach's alpha and Chi-square. Questions were selected on the basis of distinguishing Down Syndrome, and normal groups from autistic children. Finally, theoretical implications and practical applications of the test has been delineated. Keywords: First keywords, second keywords, third keywords, forth keywords;