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M-CHAT-R/F Autism Screening Tool
A validated first step for parents of toddlers between 16 and 48 months who want to understand their child’s development a little better.
M-CHAT-R/F Autism Screening Tool
How to answer
Answer each question based on how your child usually behaves, not on what they can do occasionally. Select ‘Yes’ if your child usually shows the behaviour described. Select ‘No’ if your child usually does not show the behaviour, even if you have seen them do it occasionally. Please answer every question by selecting ‘Yes’ or ‘No’.
Disclaimer: The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow‑Up (M‑CHAT‑R/F) is a copyrighted screening instrument developed by Dr. Diana L. Robins, Dr. Deborah Fein, and Dr. Marianne Barton and colleagues. The official materials, scoring instructions, and usage guidelines are provided through the M‑CHAT™ website, and use of the tool must follow the authors’ copyright and licensing conditions. India Autism Center acknowledges M‑CHAT‑R/F ©️ Robins, Fein, & Barton (2009) and uses the instrument within its recommended clinical framework, with appropriate attribution, training, and adherence to the authors’ guidance on screening and follow‑up.
Please answer every question before seeing your result.
Disclaimer : The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow‑Up (M‑CHAT‑R/F) is a copyrighted screening instrument developed by Dr. Diana L. Robins, Dr. Deborah Fein, and Dr. Marianne Barton and colleagues. The official materials, scoring instructions, and usage guidelines are provided through the M‑CHAT™️ website (mchatscreen.com), and use of the tool must follow the authors’ copyright and licensing conditions. India Autism Center acknowledges M‑CHAT‑R/F ©️ Robins, Fein, & Barton (2009) and uses the instrument within its recommended clinical framework, with appropriate attribution, training, and adherence to the authors’ guidance on screening and follow‑up.
Start overWhat is M-CHAT?
A plain-language guide to the toddler autism screening questionnaire — what it measures, what your score means, and what to do next.
M-CHAT stands for the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-Up (M-CHAT-R/F). It’s a parent-completed questionnaire designed to identify children who may have an increased likelihood of autism and may benefit from further evaluation.
The M-CHAT-R contains 20 questions about a toddler’s everyday behaviour, covering social interaction, communication, joint attention, play, and responses to different situations. It’s intended for children aged 16 to 48 months.
It’s important to understand that M-CHAT is not an autism diagnosis. It’s a screening tool that helps parents and professionals decide whether further developmental assessment may be appropriate.
What does M-CHAT-R/F screen for?
M-CHAT-R/F screening is designed to identify behaviours associated with an increased likelihood of autism in toddlers. It considers developmental areas including:
- Social communication — how a child communicates and engages with people in their everyday environment.
- Joint attention — whether a child shares attention or interest with another person, such as directing someone’s attention toward something interesting.
- Gestures and pointing — early non-verbal behaviours that help children communicate interests, needs and experiences.
- Social interaction — how a child responds to people and participates in social exchange.
- Pretend play — early imaginative or pretend-play behaviours.
- Sensory and behavioural responses — certain responses to sounds, movement and other everyday experiences.
These behaviours are considered as part of a broader developmental picture. No single behaviour, and no single response, can determine whether a child has autism.
What does the score mean?
Your M-CHAT result indicates the likelihood that further evaluation may be appropriate. It does not establish whether your child is autistic.
Note: Always interpret a screening score in context.
If the score is low
A low score indicates a low likelihood according to the screening algorithm — it doesn’t mean developmental concerns should be dismissed. If you continue to notice differences in your child’s communication, social interaction, play or development, discuss them with a qualified professional.
If the score is moderate
Complete the M-CHAT-R Follow-Up, which helps clarify which responses contributed to the initial score. Depending on the result and your child’s overall development, further evaluation may be recommended.
If the score is high
Further evaluation is recommended — this does not mean your child has autism. A comprehensive developmental or autism evaluation is needed to understand your child’s individual profile.
Is M-CHAT-R/F an autism assessment test?
No. M-CHAT-R/F is a screening tool, not a diagnostic assessment — and that distinction matters.
A screening identifies children who may benefit from a closer look at their development. A comprehensive autism assessment involves a qualified professional considering developmental history, behaviour, communication, social interaction and other relevant factors.
Depending on the child’s age and needs, an assessment may include:
- Detailed developmental history
- Clinical observation
- Communication and language assessment
- Cognitive or developmental assessment
- Adaptive functioning assessment
- Standardised autism assessment tools
- Consideration of other developmental conditions or factors
The goal of a comprehensive assessment is to understand the child’s overall developmental profile — not simply to produce a screening score.
Why early autism screening matters
The early years are an important period for communication, social development, learning and skill development.
The American Academy of Paediatrics suggests autism-specific screening at about 18 and 24 months, alongside ongoing developmental surveillance. However, parents don’t need to wait until a specific screening age to raise concerns — if you notice developmental differences, discussing them with a professional can help you understand whether further assessment or support may be appropriate.
M-CHAT can provide a structured starting point for that conversation.