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. 2018 Apr;20(2):360-369.
doi: 10.1007/s10903-017-0553-0.

Adapting an Autism Screening Tool for Use in the DeKalb County Refugee Pediatric Clinic

C McClure  1 , S Reines  2   3 , P S Suchdev  2   4 , A Oladele  5 , A B Goodman  2   6
Affiliations

Adapting an Autism Screening Tool for Use in the DeKalb County Refugee Pediatric Clinic

C McClure et al. J Immigr Minor Health. 2018 Apr.

Abstract

Background: Minimal literature exists regarding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) among refugee children in the United States. Reliable ASD screening tools, such as the M-CHAT-R/F, have yet to be culturally adapted and translated into some languages spoken in the homes of these children.

Methods: Pediatric refugee patients (n = 13) of caregivers of Bhutanese (Nepali-speaking) descent were screened using a newly translated Nepali M-CHAT-R/F. The M-CHAT-R/F was adapted based on feedback from Bhutanese caregivers and interpreter expertise. Qualitative interviews regarding caregiver awareness of ASD were conducted.

Results: Caregivers understood the majority of M-CHAT-R/F items (91%). Four items required revision. Interviews revealed minimal awareness among Bhutanese caregivers regarding ASD or child development.

Discussion: The M-CHAT-R/F was adapted into Nepali using a combination of translation protocols, and is publicly available for clinical use. Future validation studies are needed which will aid in clinical screening for and epidemiologic research of ASD in this population.

Keywords: Autism; Bhutanese; M-CHAT-R/F; Nepali; Refugee.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest All authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Bhurmese caregiver and patient recruitment process for M-CHAT-R/F screening and adapation. M-CHAT-R/F: Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow Up. DCRPC: DeKalb County Refugee Pediatric Clinic
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Overview of study design
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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