Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorders Measured by the Qualitative Checklist for Autism in Toddlers in a Large Sample of Polish Toddlers

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.

Screening Accuracy and Age-based Scoring Procedures of the Polish Version of Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales-Developmental Profile Infant-Toddler Checklist

“…Nevertheless, the evidence from this study may contribute to the discussion regarding the inclusion of ASD screening during well-child care visits. So far, no fully validated questionnaire for the diagnosis of ASD in children under 2 years of age has existed in Poland; only one study on the reliability of the Q-CHAT questionnaire was published, without an attempt to estimate the cut-off in the Polish population or assess the sensitivity and specificity of the tool [53]. Taking into account the positive data from the current study on the CSBS-DP ITC properties, the use of this tool in everyday practice of HCPs would seem justified.…”

Implementing an Early Detection Program for Autism Spectrum Disorders in Polish Primary Healthcare Setting – Possible Obstacles and Experiences from Online ASD Screening

“…In addition to the mentioned work on CSBS-DP ITC, so far, there are only preliminary data on the Polish version of Quantitative Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (Q-CHAT). Research on most frequently used in Poland M-CHAT organized as part of the Badabada project is still in progress [51,52]. Until now, direct translations of the above-mentioned questionnaires available on the Internet were usually used without any cultural and linguistic adaptation and without a validation process.…”

Implementing an Early Detection Program for Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Polish Primary Healthcare Setting—Possible Obstacles and Experiences from Online ASD Screening

“…In addition to the mentioned work on the CSBS-DP ITC, so far, there are only preliminary data on the Polish version of Quantitative Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (Q-CHAT). Research on most frequently used in Poland M-CHAT organized as part of the Badabada project is still in progress [57,58]. To datew, direct translations of the above-mentioned questionnaires available on the Internet were usually used without any cultural and linguistic adaptation and without a validation process.…”