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Examination of the Properties of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) in a Population Sample

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Abstract

This study examines the following properties of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) in an unselected low-risk sample: (a) the maximum age for screen administration; (b) the positive screen rate in the absence of follow-up telephone interviews and; (c) the distributional properties of positive screens. Data came from a prospective cohort study (n = 1,604). Results suggest that the M-CHAT can appropriately be administered to children aged 20–48 months. Documented explanations provided by mothers during screening, appear to effectively identify potential screen misclassifications in the absence of the follow-up telephone interviews. This further emphasizes the importance of clinician expertise in verifying positive M-CHAT screens. Results have implications for the administration of the M-CHAT in clinical and research settings.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by funding provided by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Funding for Brie Yama was provided by the Ontario Graduate Student—Science and Technology award.

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Author notes

  1. Brie Yama

    Present address: Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA

  2. Su Yuan

    Present address: Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Western Ontario, Kresge Building, Room K201, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada

    Brie Yama, Erin Graves, Su Yuan & M. Karen Campbell

  2. Division of Children’s Health and Therapeutics, Children’s Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada

    Brie Yama, Erin Graves, Su Yuan & M. Karen Campbell

  3. Department of Family Medicine, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada

    Tom Freeman

  4. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada

    M. Karen Campbell

  5. Department of Paediatrics, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada

    M. Karen Campbell

Authors
  1. Brie Yama
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  2. Tom Freeman
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  4. Su Yuan
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Correspondence to M. Karen Campbell.

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Yama, B., Freeman, T., Graves, E. et al. Examination of the Properties of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) in a Population Sample. J Autism Dev Disord 42, 23–34 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-011-1211-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-011-1211-3

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