Expression of Autism Spectrum Traits

Modified Checklist of Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT-R)

What is Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way a person communicates, interacts with others, and perceives the world around them. It is typically diagnosed in early childhood, although signs may be noticed earlier. ASD is characterized by a wide range of symptoms and behaviors, hence the term “spectrum.” This means that individuals with autism can have varying degrees of impairment in social interaction, communication skills, and repetitive or restrictive patterns of behavior.

Some common signs of ASD include difficulties with social interactions, such as challenges in making eye contact, responding to their name, or engaging in reciprocal conversations. Children with ASD may also exhibit repetitive behaviors or intense interest in specific topics. They may struggle with changes in routines, have sensory sensitivities, and find it challenging to understand and interpret non-verbal cues like facial expressions or body language.

It is important to note that every child with autism is unique, and the symptoms and strengths can vary greatly from person to person.

Who is this screener for?

This screener is available to parents or guardians that suspect their child may be displaying symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The M-CHAT-R is designed to assess the risk for ASD in children between the ages of 16 to 30 months (up to 2.5 years old).

The M-CHAT-R is one of several different autism screeners and can help in determining if it may be beneficial to your child to proceed with a more comprehensive evaluation.

How to complete the screener:
Being a parent is a tremendous responsibility, and we understand the worry that may come along with trying to determine a diagnosis. You are in the right place to explore the behaviors you have observed your child exhibit. This screener is meant to guide you in gathering more information and to help you determine next steps, not to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.

This screener consists of 20 yes/no questions. When answering, we recommend that you consider how your child typically behaves. If you have only seen your child do a behavior once or only a few times, but it is not a typical behavior for them, then please answer “no.” Please complete all questions about your child before clicking the Results button at the bottom.

Your results are private unless you choose to share them. We will not be gathering your information or results; after you click Results, you can download your score report. If you choose to meet with a psychologist, these results will be helpful to share with your psychologist, so please save them.

Let’s get you started

1. If you point at something across the room, does your child look at it? (For example, if you point at a toy or an animal, does your child look at the toy or animal?)


2. Have you ever wondered if your child might be deaf?


3. Does your child play pretend or make-believe? (For example, pretend to drink from an empty cup, pretend to talk on a phone, or pretend to feed a doll or stuffed animal?)


4. Does your child like climbing on things? (For example, furniture, playground equipment, or stairs)


5. Does your child make unusual finger movements near his or her eyes? (For example, does your child wiggle his or her fingers close to his or her eyes?)


6. Does your child point with one finger to ask for something or to get help? (For example, pointing to a snack or toy that is out of reach)


7. Does your child point with one finger to show you something interesting? (For example, pointing to an airplane in the sky or a big truck in the road)


8. Is your child interested in other children? (For example, does your child watch other children, smile at them, or go to them?)


9. Does your child show you things by bringing them to you or holding them up for you to see - not to get help, but just to share? (For example, showing you a flower, a stuffed animal, or a toy truck)


10. Does your child respond when you call his or her name? (For example, does he or she look up, talk or babble, or stop what he or she is doing when you call his or her name?)


11. When you smile at your child, does he or she smile back at you?


12. Does your child get upset by everyday noises? (For example, does your child scream or cry to noise such as a vacuum cleaner or loud music?)


13. Does your child walk?


14. Does your child look you in the eye when you are talking to him or her, playing with him or her, or dressing him or her?


15. Does your child try to copy what you do? (For example, wave bye-bye, clap, or make a funny noise when you do)


16. If you turn your head to look at something, does your child look around to see what you are looking at?


17. Does your child try to get you to watch him or her? (For example, does your childlook at you for praise, or say "look" or "watch me"?)


18. Does your child understand when you tell him or her to do something? (For example, if you don't point, can your child understand "put the book on the chair" or "bring me the blanket"?)


19. If something new happens, does your child look at your face to see how you feel about it? (For example, if he or she hears a strange or funny noise, or sees a new toy, will he or she look at your face?)


20. Does your child like movement activities? (For example, being swung or bounced on your knee)


Reminder: Your responses and results are private unless you choose to share them. We will not be gathering your information or results. If you’d like a copy of your results, after you click Results, you can download your score report.
If you choose to meet with a psychologist, these results will be helpful to share, so please save them.

What does my score mean?​

AQ - Modified Checklist of Autism in Toddlers
2 or less
3 - 7
8+
You scored within typical range

This score indicates your child has a low to no risk of autism. If this still remains an area of concern for you, you can rescreen at 24 months if the child is younger than 2 years old (or after 3 months has elapsed).

You can download your results by clicking the arrow below.

Keep an eye on it

This score indicates that your child has a moderate risk of autism. This score suggests this is an area worth investigating further. We have psychologists who can work with you to examine this area more deeply, and we also have therapists and coaches available that can help provide support. Lauren, our team’s Care Coordinator, is here to answer any of your questions about our support services.

You can download your results by clicking the arrow below.

This area needs attention

This score suggests this area needs attention. Contact Lauren, our team’s Care Coordinator, if you’re interested in a free consultation and to discuss options for the next steps. If you are comfortable, include the results in your e-mail. We are here to help.

You can download your results by clicking the arrow below.