Take the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (MCHAT-R/F) autism test

The most popular autism tests (also known as "developmental and behavioral screening" or "developmental screening test") recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics is the M-CHAT (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers).

It has high sensitivity and specificity, meaning it can accurately identify those with ASD while minimizing false positives.

Developed by Dr. Robert L Schroth and Maria A Rutter, it has been validated by numerous research studies.

While it should not be used as a stand-alone tool for diagnosis, it can provide essential insight into a child's development. It can then be combined with other assessments to make an informed decision regarding diagnosis and treatment options.

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Another benefit of using the M-CHAT screening tool is its ease of administration. Unlike other autism tests such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) or the Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised (ADI–R), the M-CHAT is simple enough for parents or carers to complete at home without extensive training or specialist equipment.

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In addition to the MCHAT-R/F, there are other screening options available for parents such as SWYC (POSI). Learn more: Tools for Autism Screening: The M-CHAT and POSI

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most common developmental disorders characterized by difficulty with communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors.

The three main Autism symptoms are:

• impaired social communication and interaction with adults and other children,

• restricted and repetitive behaviours,

• sensory sensitivities.

Impaired social communication and interaction

Impaired social communication and interaction involve difficulties understanding language, body language, intentionality, empathy, nonverbal cues like facial expressions or eye contact (Does your child avoid eye contact?), and social reciprocity.

Autistic children often have difficulty initiating conversations or engaging in meaningful interactions with adults and other children. They may also struggle to make friends or develop relationships outside their family.

Restricted and repetitive patterns

Restricted and repetitive patterns include limited interest in activities as well as rigid adherence to routines or rituals like always eating the same food or playing the same game in a specific order.

Repetitive behaviors such as hand flapping, rocking back and forth, or repeating certain words or phrases can also be signs of Autism.

Sensory sensitivities

Sensory sensitivities. People with ASD may be overly sensitive to noise, light touch (Does your child avoid physical contact?), taste odors, or temperature changes. They may become overwhelmed in busy environments like malls due to sensory overload.

Some people may seek out intense sensations, such as spinning around in circles, while others may avoid them altogether.

If you suspect that your child may have autism spectrum symptoms, it is important to schedule an appointment with a doctor or specialist for a further evaluation. Diagnosing children with ASD as early as possible is important to make sure children receive the services and supports they need to reach their full potential. Early diagnosis and intervention, such as speech therapy sessions and introducing structure (daily routine) into everyday life, can help children on the spectrum cope better with their unique challenges on a daily basis. Diagnostic tools may include: the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) or the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS test).

The screening test consists of 20 questions about your child in different areas, such as play skills, communication, social interaction, and other developmental milestones.

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If the parent answers "yes" to any of the questions or has concerns about their child's development based on the responses, they are recommended to complete additional follow-up questions. The follow-up interview aims to clarify potential warning signs and capture more detailed information about your child that the initial questionnaire may not have caught.

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When administered correctly and with appropriate follow-up interviews, it can help identify possible signs of ASD that might otherwise be overlooked or dismissed. This allows parents, teachers, and healthcare providers to get an accurate picture of a child's functioning and helps guide decisions on how best to support their overall well-being.

The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow Up (M-CHAT-R/F) consists of 20 YES or NO questions about a toddler's behavior over the past few months. 

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The M-CHAT-R/F scoring process begins by assigning points to each answer on the questionnaire. For most questions, YES is a good sign, and NO may indicate a risk of ASD. However, questions 2, 5, and 12 are "reverse scored", meaning that NO is a good sign and YES may indicate a concern. The total score is then calculated as the sum of all responses.

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(!) Pathfinder Health app automated M-CHAT-R/F scoring to save you valuable time.

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• Score 0-2 indicates a low risk of ASD.

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• Score 3-7 indicates a medium risk of ASD and suggests a follow up interview screening to minimize false positives.

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• Score 8-20 indicates a high risk of ASD and requires formal assessment with your child's primary care provider, developmental pediatrician or child psychologist to receive an accurate diagnosis. You can also bypass an evaluation and refer immediately for early intervention services (EIS).

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It is highly recommended that parents screen their children for autism using the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers-Revised with Follow-up (MCHAT-R/F) screening at ages 18 months, 24 months and 30 months.

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Parents who complete the MCHAT-R/F often receive immediate results after the screening is finished. If any red flags are identified during the initial screening, then it is recommended that further evaluation take place by a physician or specialist to confirm or rule out an autism diagnosis. 

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Screening your child regularly can help ensure they receive early intervention services if needed. Early detection of autism can be beneficial in helping children reach their full potential and lead a fulfilling life. 

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​It’s important to remember, however, that M-CHAT-R/F is NOT a diagnostic tool and  should only serve as an initial step in diagnosing ASD; definitive diagnosis should still be made through clinical evaluation and other standardized assessments such as diagnostic interviews with parents or caregivers and developmental evaluations by trained mental health professional or health care provider.