Risk investigation for autism spectrum disorders in children aged 18-36 months: Aydin city center sample

Introduction: An increase has been observed in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) prevalence since the first epidemiological studies made. Despite the difficulties in the early diagnosis of ASD, application of cognitive and behavioral therapies affects prognosis positively. When the disease prevalence increase and the positive results of early diagnosis are considered, the importance of ASD scanning is understood better. FHCs have a considerable role in ASD scanning. Using M-CHAT scanning test in children aged between 18-26 months admitted to FHCs in Aydın city center, our aim in this study was to determine factors increasing ASD risk, detect children with high ASD risk, to refer these children to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Polyclinic and provide their diagnosis, acquire preliminary information of ASD prevalence in Aydın city center and also create awareness on ASD. Materials and Methods: In the first stage M-CHAT scale and questionnaire form were applied to 431 children detected in Aydın city center and admitted to FHCs. 25 children with ASD risk were referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Polyclinic and four of these children were diagnosed with ASD. Results: ASD risk was 5.8% and ASD prevalence was 0.92% in our study and statistically significant differences were detected between gender, lack of vaccination according to vaccination calendar, birth weight, family income level and maternal medicine use conditions of the children between groups with and without ASD risk. Conclusion: Considering the role of early diagnosis in treatment, we think that more studies are needed to increase the ASD awareness of healthcare staff working in FHC which is the general first admittance place for children aged 18-36 months and to measure their information level. Keywords: M-CHAT, autism, Aydın city center