Abstract
This study aimed to assess some early symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) measured by a screening tool developed for an early detection of ASD. We investigated if the early symptoms were associated with toddlers’ age, gender or ASD familial risk status. We used the Polish version of the Quantitative Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (Q-CHAT) to assess 1024 children aged 16 to 36 months. The sample included four groups of participants: typically developing toddlers, toddlers with parent-reported ASD-specific concerns, toddlers at risk for autism due to having an older sibling with ASD, and toddlers with a developmental delay. We found that mean Q-CHAT scores were significantly higher in boys than in girls. We did not find any associations between Q-CHAT scores and age. We observed that toddlers with a familial risk for ASD and those with a developmental delay scored significantly higher than controls. We collated these results with previous studies that used the Q-CHAT and other instruments.
Highlights
We observed that toddlers with a familial risk for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and those with a developmental delay scored significantly higher than controls
In typically developing children, children with some ASD-specific concerns reported by parents, who were at the time of assessment at an initial stage of a diagnostic process in diagnostic and intervention centers, younger siblings of children with ASD and toddlers diagnosed with a developmental delay
We assessed the symptoms of autism spectrum disorders with the Quantitative Checklist for Autism in Toddlers in a large sample of Polish toddlers aged
Summary
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by social communication difficulties and restricted patterns of behavior [1,2]. As ASD biomarkers are yet to be established, diagnosis is still made on the basis of behavioral symptoms. The issue still requires a better understanding in order to support the development of young children at risk of ASD more effectively. Since supporting early development can bring significant effects and improve life prospects of children with ASD [11,12], measures are taken to identify symptoms as early as possible in order to initiate appropriate intervention. Screening tools with good psychometric properties are needed to increase the chances of recognizing ASD early and providing children with professional support. One of the tools useful for ASD screening is the Quantitative Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (Q-CHAT; 13).
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