GAMBARAN RISIKO GANGGUAN SPEKTRUM AUTISME PADA ANAK USIA 16–30 BULAN MENGGUNAKAN INSTRUMEN DIGITAL M-CHAT-R

ANALYSIS OF DIFFERENCES IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER RISK SCORES AMONG CHILDREN AGED 16–30 MONTHS USING A DIGITAL INSTRUMENT

Abstract

Abstrak

Gangguan spektrum autisme (GSA) merupakan kelainan perkembangan yang dapat terdeteksi sejak usia dini melalui skrining terstandar. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menggambarkan distribusi risiko Gangguan spektrum autisme (GSA) pada anak usia 16–30 bulan di Desa Grinting, Kecamatan Paiton, Kabupaten Probolinggo, dengan menggunakan instrumen digital Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers-Revised (M-CHAT-R). Penelitian ini menggunakan desain kuantitatif deskriptif dengan melibatkan 40 anak yang dipilih melalui teknik purposive sampling. Data diperoleh melalui pengisian mandiri aplikasi M-CHAT-R berbasis web oleh ibu atau pengasuh. Analisis dilakukan secara deskriptif menggunakan distribusi frekuensi dan persentase. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa sebagian besar anak berada dalam kategori risiko rendah (92,5%), sementara 7,5% termasuk kategori risiko meragukan, dan tidak ditemukan anak dalam kategori risiko tinggi. Seluruh anak dengan kategori meragukan merupakan laki-laki, terutama pada kelompok usia 21–25 bulan. Temuan ini konsisten dengan literatur yang melaporkan prevalensi ASD lebih tinggi pada laki-laki dan kecenderungan tanda awal muncul setelah usia 20 bulan. Penggunaan instrumen digital M-CHAT-R dinilai efektif untuk memfasilitasi skrining dini di tingkat komunitas. Penelitian ini menegaskan pentingnya skrining rutin pada usia 18–24 bulan dan tindak lanjut profesional bagi anak dengan hasil meragukan. Pendekatan digital berpotensi meningkatkan akses, efisiensi, dan keberlanjutan deteksi dini ASD di masyarakat.

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that can be identified in early childhood through standardized and validated screening tools. Early detection is essential to ensure timely referral and intervention, which may improve developmental and behaviour outcomes. This study aimed to describe the distribution of ASD risk among children aged 16–30 months in Grinting Village, Paiton District, Probolinggo Regency, using the digital Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers-Revised (M-CHAT-R). A descriptive quantitative design was employed, involving 40 children selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through self-administered completion of a web-based M-CHAT-R application by mothers or caregivers, and analysed descriptively using frequency and percentage distributions. The findings showed that most children were classified as low risk (92.5%), while 7.5% fell into the medium or questionable risk category, and none were identified as high risk. All children within the questionable category were male, predominantly in the 21–25-month age group. These patterns are consistent with previous evidence indicating higher ASD prevalence among males and greater detectability of early symptoms after 20 months of age. The use of a digital M-CHAT-R platform demonstrated practicality and feasibility, particularly for community-based early screening. This study underscores the importance of  routine ASD screening at 18–24 months and the need for professional follow-up among children with questionable results. Digital screening tools offer promising opportunities to enhance access, efficiency, and continuity of early ASD detection within community health systems.