Early screening for autistic spectrum disorders in toddlers aged 16 to 30 months

Introduction: Prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) worldwide shows a significant rise. Screening and early diagnosis are extremely important and provide a possibility for an early intervention. Objectives: This study is a part of validation process for a Serbian translation of Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-up (MCHAT- R/F). Another aim was to analyse the risk factors which are associated with the development of ASD. Methods: The study included parents of toddlers aged 16 to 30 months during a well-child care visits in Dom zdravlja Savski venac and parents of toddlers sent to see a psychiatrist in Institute for mental health (IMH). Children were screened using the M-CHATR/ F. Results: The study included 65 toddlers. The ones screened in Dom zdravlja were placed in a low-risk group, and others who were referred to IMH were classified as high-risk group. Comparing these two groups no statistically significant difference was found in terms of children's age or parents' age at birth. Statistically significant difference was found in terms of gestational week at birth, and significantly higher incidence of pregnancy complications in high-risk group. Conclusion: Further investigation should completely examine the psychometric characteristics of M-CHAT, but the preliminary findings show that M-CHAT can detect many cases of ASD during a routine pediatrician examination. Some prenatal and perinatal factors such as pregnancy complications and gestational age at birth can lead to increased risk of developing ASD.