M-CHAT-R Online Autism Screening Tool

Take the M-CHAT-R Online Autism Screening Tool

The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised (M-CHAT-R) is a quick and easy screening tool that helps you check for early signs of autism in your child. It is not a diagnosis, but it can help you know if further evaluation might be helpful.

The questionnaire has 20 yes /no questions and is designed for toddlers between 16 and 30 months old. The M-CHAT-R is widely used by healthcare professionals to assess the likelihood for for autism in toddlers, and the American Association of Pediatrics recommends all children be screened at 18 and 24 months. After you submit the M-CHAT-R, a recommendation on next steps will be provided based on your results.

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Is Your Child Hitting Developmental Milestones?

Plays interactive games, like Peek-A-Boo
Shows “stranger danger”
Responds to others (smiling, making sounds, or gesturing)
Responds to their name
Babbles

Uses words
Plays pretend
Points to show interest
Plays with others

Few aversions or sensitivities to noise, food, clothing etc.
Able to transition activities
Uses more words & forms short sentences (2-3 words)
Shows interest in peers
Initiates social interactions

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Please answer these questions about your child. Keep in mind how your child usually behaves. If you have seen your child do the behavior a few times, but he or she does not usually do it, then please answer no. Please answer yes or no for every question.

Frequently Asked Questions About M-CHAT-R

The 20-question survey is scored on a scale of 0 to 20. Zero to two represents a low likelihood for autism. Three to seven represents a moderate likelihood for autism. And eight to 20 represents a high likelihood for autism. This score is based on the answer to each question about your child’s typical response and behavior habits.

Screening tools like the M-CHAT-R are used to check for signs of autism.

It is commonly used by pediatricians to help assess the possibility of autism and if a further evaluation is needed. Think of it as the “first step,” but not as a diagnosis itself.

An autism diagnostic evaluation consists of a more in-depth assessment including standardized developmental assessments, direct observation, parent interviews, and history.

It is recommended for caregivers to assess children between 16 and 30 months. If your child is screened negative and is younger than 24 months, you can re-screen after the second birthday.

Parents know their children. Speak with your child’s healthcare provider about your observations and concerns. Mention behaviors, delays, or differences and request a referral for a developmental evaluation if you feel it’s needed. Remember that the M-CHAT-R is specifically designed to assess the likelihood for autism only.

The M-CHAT-R is a preliminary screening tool that can provide insight into a child’s typical behavior that may not be seen during a standard well visit. You can share these results with your child’s pediatrician or developmental pediatrician for a referral to a full psychological evaluation.

An autism diagnosis expands access to important resources often covered by insurance, like ABA therapy. The earlier a child receives support, the better their chances for long-term success in many areas, such as communication, social interaction, and independence.

Early signs of autism include limited interest in interactive games such as Peek-A-Boo, limited pretend play, minimal babbling or verbal communication, and sensitivity to noises and textures. For more information about the early signs of autism, visit our Early Signs of Autism resource.