A 3-year-old child does not respond to his name, has no meaningful words, makes no eye contact, engages in repetitive hand flapping and is intensely attached to specific objects. The MOST specific screening tool validated for this condition in a toddler is:
- A Denver Developmental Screening Test (DDST)
- B Bayley Scales of Infant Development
- C Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) ✓
- D Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales
Correct answer: C. Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT)
Explanation
The M-CHAT (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers) is the validated, widely-used parent-report screening instrument specifically designed for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in toddlers 16–30 months of age. It asks about social communication, joint attention and play. The Denver II/DDST is a general developmental screening tool, not specific to ASD. Bayley Scales assess developmental level (cognitive, language, motor) rather than screen for autism. Vineland measures adaptive functioning and is used for intellectual disability characterization.
Reference: Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.