Development: autism screening: practice question

A Pediatrics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pediatrics · Development: autism screening

Sample item

A 20-month-old has no pointing, poor eye contact and has lost the few words he had at 15 months. Which is the most appropriate screening tool?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. M-CHAT

The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers is a parent-completed screen used at 16 to 30 months, with 18 and 24 months being common. Loss of previously acquired language is a red flag for autism spectrum disorder. A positive screen leads to formal diagnostic assessment and early intervention.

Option by option

  • A. Conners rating scale

    The Conners scale is used for ADHD in older children.

  • B. Denver developmental screening test for school readiness

    Denver screens general milestones and is not specific for autism.

  • C. Apgar scoring

    Apgar scoring assesses a newborn at birth.

  • D. M-CHAT (correct)

    Correct. M-CHAT screens toddlers for autism.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Pediatrics question

What is the answer to this Pediatrics question?

The best answer is D, M-CHAT. The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers is a parent-completed screen used at 16 to 30 months, with 18 and 24 months being common.

Why is "Conners rating scale" not the answer?

The Conners scale is used for ADHD in older children.

Why is "Denver developmental screening test for school readiness" not the answer?

Denver screens general milestones and is not specific for autism.

Why is "Apgar scoring" not the answer?

Apgar scoring assesses a newborn at birth.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Development: autism screening in Pediatrics. Loss of previously acquired language is a red flag for autism spectrum disorder. A positive screen leads to formal diagnostic assessment and early intervention.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Development: autism screening?

Memorise milestones and the vaccine schedule as tables and revise them often. Then use the flashcards and the other Pediatrics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.