Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulty with social interaction and communication, restricted interests, and stereotyped behaviors. Q-CHAT-10 is a screening tool to identify individuals with ASD. We examined the sociodemographic differences between toddlers with and without exhibiting ASD behaviors (Q-CHAT-10 total score above a 3 and 3 or below), especially for racial/ethnic groups and the age at which the screening was conducted. Participants were 1,054 toddlers, ages 12-36 months, in which a family member, health professional, or other professional filled out a questionnaire on behaviors exhibited by the toddler. The data for these toddlers were obtained when a parent or healthcare professional completed the Q-CHAT-10 to help them determine if the toddler was exhibiting ASD behaviors. Univariate and multivariable binary logistic regression models were used to identify significant predictors of exhibiting ASD behaviors (Q-CHAT-10 total score >3). Crude (OR) and adjusted odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated. Data management and statistical data analysis were conducted using R Out of 1,054 toddlers, the majority were male, (n=735; 70%). Compared to Non-Hispanic White Europeans, the Middle Eastern group had significantly lower odds of exhibiting ASD behaviors with an unadjusted OR of 0.35 (95%CI: 0.23-0.53; p<0.001) and an adjusted OR of 0.39 (95%CI: 0.26-0.59); p<0.001). The Asian, Black, Latino/Hispanic, South Asian, and Others showed no statistically significant relationships in the univariate and multivariable models. Age in months was a significant predictor of exhibiting ASD behaviors (unadjusted OR=1.03; 95%CI:1.01-1.05; p<0.001 and adjusted OR=1.02; 95%CI:1.00-1.04; p=0.041). Neither the statuses of jaundice at birth nor family members with ASD were significant predictors of exhibiting ASD behavior.