Objectives: to assess the accuracy of a pictorial screening measure, the Developmental Check-In, developed for a low literacy population .
Methods: The Developmental Check-In (DCI), Screening Test for Autism in Toddlers (STAT) which is a level 2 screening instrument, and M-CHAT were administered to 130 children ages 12-48 months referred to outpatient centers for developmental screening/evaluation. Screening was facilitated by an Advanced Practice Nurse, who also made a clinical diagnosis based on DSM IV criteria.
Results: Of the 130 children, 90 children were screened using all 3 tools, 18 were screened using the DCI and STAT only, 14 were screened using the DCI and M-CHAT only, and 8 received DCI only. ROC analysis revealed no difference between the DCI and the M-CHAT.
Conclusions: The DCI, a pictorial autism screening measure was developed for a low literacy population and was first tested in a literate population, finding no difference between it and the M-CHAT. This suggests it has reasonable psychometrics. Tests in a low literacy group are forthcoming. Since the DCI is pictorial and has reduced literacy demands, it may have utility across cultures and thus may help reduce barriers to accessing early diagnosis
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