Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Nurseries in Lebanon: A Cross Sectional Study.

Researchers visited 75 nurseries in Beirut and Mount Lebanon. They gave the M-CHAT toddler screener to parents and teachers. The goal was to count how many children showed red flags for autism.

One in every 66 toddlers screened positive for ASD. This rate matches what we see in United States surveys. Lebanon now has hard numbers to plan services.

Newcomb et al. (2025) show that typical preschoolers also act out, just less often. Use their norm tables so you do not over-refer rambunctious but typical kids.

Yin et al. (2026) filmed Mandarin-speaking preschoolers and found autistic children played in shorter, simpler bursts. Combine both papers: expect about 1–2% of nursery groups to screen positive, and watch free-play clips for short, repetitive action sequences as a second red flag.

Barrett et al. (2004) remind us that language-delayed children can look similar. If M-CHAT is positive, check joint attention and functional play next before you label.

You now know that an average Lebanese nursery class of 20 will likely hold one toddler who needs an autism evaluation. Stock your referral list. Teach staff the M-CHAT follow-up questions. Budget for extra assessment slots because the numbers are the same as in the US.