M-CHAT-R/F
The reference screening tool for autism in toddlers (16–30 months), completed by parents.
What is it?
The M-CHAT-R/F (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-Up) is an early autism screening questionnaire created by Diana Robins, Deborah Fein and Marianne Barton. It is designed for parents of children aged 16 to 30 months and consists of 20 yes/no questions about communication, social interaction and play.
When the result is intermediate, a short follow-up interview (the "Follow-Up") clarifies the answers to reduce false alarms. The score places the child in a low-, medium- or high-risk band.
Why it is used
It is the most widely used and most extensively studied autism screening tool for young children in the world, recommended as part of routine paediatric follow-up. Early identification opens the way to earlier support, which works best when it begins young.
On this site, the "Autism (child)" test is a home-made synthesis inspired by the same themes: it does not reproduce the items of the M-CHAT-R/F, which are protected. To use the official tool, speak to your paediatrician or visit the authors' website.
Its limits
A screen is not a diagnosis: the M-CHAT-R/F flags children who would benefit from an assessment, with possible false positives. Development varies a great deal at this age. Only a multidisciplinary assessment can confirm an autism spectrum disorder.
This page is for informational purposes only. It does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional.