Original Investigation

Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers in a Neonatal High-Risk Population

JAMA Network Open 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.3672

March 27, 2026 at 11:00 AM EDT

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What is the diagnostic accuracy of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) for identifying autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in a neonatal high-risk population?In this cohort study of 2178 high-risk neonates in Sweden, estimated sensitivity of the M-CHAT was 62.4%; specificity, 91.2%; positive predictive value, 31.4%; and negative predictive value, 97.4% when evaluated against a subsequent clinical ASD diagnosis.The M-CHAT’s high specificity but moderate sensitivity for ASD highlights the need for additional tools to improve detection.

Corresponding Author: Benjamin Lassebro, MSc, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Campus US, Linköping 58183, Sweden (benjamin.lassebro@liu.se).

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