A study on prevalence of autism Spectrum disorder among toddlers Between high-risk baby clinic and well Baby clinic using m-chat-r scale.a crosssectional Comparative study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: It is estimated that the global prevalence of Autism spectrum disorder has been raising, with rates now between 0.5% to 1%. In India and Southeast Aisa the prevalence is ranging from 0.09% to 1.07% among the children between 0- 17 years. The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) is one of the most widely used screening tools for ASD globally. The combined sensitivity of the M-CHAT(-R/F) was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.77-0.88), and the combined specificity was 0.94 (95% CI, 0.89-0.97). Low birth weight, preterm delivery , caesarean section are considered as the potential risk factors for ASD. OBJECTIVES : · PRIMARY OBJECTIVES: To study the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in children aged between 16-24 months followed up at high-risk baby clinic and well-baby clinic in the tertiary care hospital using M-CHAT-R Scales. · SECONDARY OBJECTIVES: To study the age at diagnosis, gender differentiation and perinatal risk factors of autism and other risk factors and to study the difference in the presentation of ASD between infants at HRB follow up clinic and Well baby clinic.