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Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Nurseries in Lebanon: A Cross Sectional Study

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Abstract

In Lebanon, no estimate for autism prevalence exists. This cross-sectional study examines the prevalence of Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in toddlers in nurseries in Beirut and Mount-Lebanon. The final sample included 998 toddlers (16–48 months) from 177 nurseries. We sent parents the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) for screening, and a self-administered questionnaire (associated factors). We imputed missing M-CHAT data with successful answers. Since there were no follow-up interviews for the M-CHAT, we used the positive predictive value (0.058) from a large study for prevalence estimates. ASD prevalence was 1 in 66 children (comparable to US). Ratios were: male/female: 1.05; Beirut/Mount-Lebanon: 1.2. Using a more representative sample and ascertaining results are needed for better prevalence estimates in Lebanon.

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Acknowledgments

Supporting Grants are Program Projects in Biomedical Research (2013–2014) (amount: $80,000) and OpenMinds (private foundation/NGO) (amount: $125,360).

Author Contributions

MC contributed to conception and design, interpretation of data and write up; DS contributed to conception, design, data acquisition, analysis and interpretation of data and write up; FM contributed to interpretation of the data and critical revision of the manuscript; RB contributed to conception and design, interpretation of data, and critical revision of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon

    Monique Chaaya

  2. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, PO-box 11-0236, Riad El Solh Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon

    Dahlia Saab & Rose-Mary Boustany

  3. Department of Psychiatry, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon

    Fadi T. Maalouf

  4. Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon

    Rose-Mary Boustany

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  1. Monique Chaaya
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  2. Dahlia Saab
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  3. Fadi T. Maalouf
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  4. Rose-Mary Boustany
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Correspondence to Dahlia Saab.

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Chaaya, M., Saab, D., Maalouf, F.T. et al. Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Nurseries in Lebanon: A Cross Sectional Study. J Autism Dev Disord 46, 514–522 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-015-2590-7

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