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Screening of children for autism spectrum disorders using Modified Checklist for Autism Spectrum Disorders (MCHAT) in toddlers in the age group 16-30 months: An observational study

: Background and Purpose: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impaired speech and communication and repetitive behavior. In the past few decades, there has been a gradual increase in the prevalence rates of ASD. The present study intends to find the prevalence of ASD in children between 16 and 30 months in Belagavi using Modified Checklist for ASD in Toddlers (MCHAT) questionnaire. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 510 children in the age group of 16–30 months in the Anganwadis and playschools of Belagavi using cluster sampling. The teachers were explained about the details of the study and were asked to gather children between 16 and 30 months along with their primary caretaker. The caretaker were explained about the details of the study, and participants were recruited based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Demographic data such as age, gender and socioeconomic status were recorded. The caretakers were given translated Kannada version of MCHAT-revised questionnaire to record their responses based on their child's behavior, and the total score was calculated by the primary investigator. Results: Among the 510 children screened for the risk of ASD, the prevalence was found to be 0.19%. The mean age of the participants was 24.5 ± 5.04 months. The prevalence was found in the upper-middle class in the age group of 28–30 months.Conclusion: The prevalence of ASD in Belagavi was 0.19% in children in the age group of of 16–30 months.