Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT)
What It Measures
The M-CHAT is the autism screening questionnaire most pediatricians use at the 18- and 24-month well-child visits. A parent answers twenty yes-or-no questions about their toddler's everyday behavior — whether the child points at things to show interest, responds to their name, makes eye contact, plays pretend, and copies what others do.
Scoring produces one of three results. Low likelihood (0–2) needs no follow-up unless other concerns exist. Medium (3–7) triggers a structured follow-up interview that walks back through each flagged item; about a third of these children no longer screen positive afterward. High (8 or more) skips the interview and goes straight to referral for evaluation and early intervention.
Further Reading
Additional Notes
Licensing Notes: Free to download from mchatscreen.com for clinical, research, and educational use, but the terms are specific: reprints must include the copyright line, no modifications to the title, items, item order, or instructions are permitted, and the M-CHAT-R must be used in its entirety.
Learn More: A low score does not rule out autism; persistent parent concern warrants referral regardless.