Abstract
Abstract Purpose The study examines the psychometric properties of the Jordanian version of the Rapid Interactive Screening Test for Autism in Toddlers (RITA-T) among children who aged 1.5–3 years in early intervention settings in Jordan. Design/methodology/approach A descriptive validation study is conducted with 150 toddlers referred to early intervention centers because of developmental concerns (e.g., social-communication red flags and/or elevated M-CHAT-R/F scores). ASD/Non-ASD status is determined using a multidisciplinary DSM-5–based clinical assessment. The Jordanian RITA-T is administered by trained specialists; internal consistency and test–retest reliability are examined, and concurrent validity is assessed using CARS-2 symptom-severity ratings. Screening accuracy indices are calculated against the DSM-5–based classification. Findings The Jordanian RITA-T demonstrated accepted internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.851) and good test–retest reliability (r = .870). Concurrent validity with CARS-2 severity ratings is strong (Spearman’s rho = 0.891). In this referred sample, a cutoff score of 16.5 yielded high sensitivity (97.3%) and specificity (98.2%) for distinguishing toddlers classified as ASD versus non-ASD by the multidisciplinary DSM-5 reference standard. Research limitations/implications The sample represents a referred/high-risk (Tier 2) clinical cohort from early intervention centers and did not include a community-based typically developing control group. Screening accuracy may therefore be inflated due to spectrum bias and should not be generalized to Tier 1 population screening without further study. Practical implications The Jordanian RITA-T may be useful as a brief Tier 2 interactive screening in early intervention and developmental clinics to support timely referral for comprehensive screening evaluation. Population-based validation, including typically developing toddlers, is recommended before wider pediatric screening use. Social implications Implementing the Jordanian RITA-T in early childhood services can facilitate earlier identification of toddlers at risk of ASD and improve access to timely supports, which may positively influence developmental trajectories and social participation opportunities. Originality/value This study provides initial evidence on the reliability and validity of an Arabic (Jordanian) version of the RITA-T in early intervention settings, contributing to the cross-cultural evidence base for interactive ASD screening tools.