In this guide, we will provide a checklist for our placed toddler screening test, also known as M-CHAT, to help you on how to test your child for autism from the comfort of your own home.
For those not familiar, the M-CHAT is a standardized questionnaire completed by parents or caregivers, consisting of 20 questions related to the child’s behavior and development. I will go through each question, providing examples and explanations of what to observe in your child’s behavior.
How to Test a Child for Autism
Why Screen for Autism
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children be screened for ASD at 18 and 24 months of age. Screening at an early age allows for timely intervention, which can have a significant positive impact on a child’s development and well-being. Screening typically involves a standardized questionnaire completed by the parent or caregiver, such as the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) or the Social Communication Questionnaire.
Understanding the M-CHAT:
We will focus on how to properly conduct the M-CHAT screening test. You can find a link to the test in the video description below. The M-CHAT consists of 20 questions, and we will provide examples for each question to guide you through the screening process. Remember to consider your child’s typical behavior when answering these questions. Circle “yes” or “no” for each question based on your child’s usual behaviors.
The Screening Questions:
- Pointing and Looking: Does your child look at something when you point to it? For example, if you point at a toy or an animal, does your child look at it?
- Concerns of Deafness: Have you ever wondered if your child may be deaf? Does your child fail to respond to sounds or your voice?
- Pretend Play: Does your child engage in pretend or make-believe play? For example, pretending to drink from an empty cup or talking on a phone.
- Climbing Behavior: Does your child excessively climb on furniture, playground equipment, or other objects in an inappropriate manner?
- Unusual Finger Movements: Does your child make unusual finger movements near their eyes, such as wiggling fingers or rubbing them?
- Pointing to Ask for Something: Does your child point with one finger to ask for something or to get help?
- Pointing to Show Interest: Does your child point with one finger to show you something interesting?
- Interest in Other Children: Is your child interested in interacting with other children, such as watching them, smiling at them, or approaching them?
- Sharing Interests: Does your child show you things by bringing them to you or holding them up for you to see?
- Name Response: Does your child respond when you call their name by looking up or making eye contact?
- Smiling Response: Does your child smile back at you when you smile at them?
- Sensitivity to Noises: Does your child get upset by everyday noises, such as the vacuum cleaner or loud music?
- Walking Development: Has your child started walking within the expected age range?
- Eye Contact: Does your child look you in the eye when you talk to them or interact with them?
- Imitation of Behavior: Does your child try to imitate your actions or the behavior of others?
- Joint Attention: Does your child look around to see what you are looking at when you turn your head to look at something?
- Seeking Attention: Does your child try to get your attention by showing you things or performing for you?
- Understanding Directions: Does your child understand and follow verbal directions without gestures or physical prompts?
- Facial Expression Awareness: Does your child look at your face to see how you feel about something new or different?
- Interest in Movement: Does your child enjoy movement activities such as running, jumping, or being swung?
Understanding the Results
Most items in the M-CHAT have “yes” as a typical response and “no” as a risk response. However, items 2, 5, and 12 are reversed, meaning that “no” is a typical response and “yes” indicates a risk. To score the test, add up the number of at-risk responses. A total score between 0 and 2 suggests a low risk, 3 to 7 indicates a moderate risk, and a score above 8 indicates a high risk for autism.
Next Steps:
If your child falls into the moderate or high-risk category, it is crucial to seek immediate referral to a pediatrician or neurologist for further evaluation and early intervention. While online assessments and checklists can be helpful for initial screening, they should not substitute a professional evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider. Professional evaluations for ASD typically involve a comprehensive assessment, including developmental history, behavior observation, and cognitive and language testing.
Conclusion
Screening your child for autism at home using the M-CHAT can provide valuable insights into their development. Early detection and intervention are key to improving outcomes for children with autism. Remember, if your child scores in the moderate or high-risk range, consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation. By taking proactive steps, you can ensure your child receives the necessary support and care they need.
Also read: What is Mild Autism?
About Olga Sirbu
My name is Olga Sirbu, I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Applied Behavioral Analyst. My goal is to support and empower families and individuals on the autism spectrum.
Autism Advance is dedicated to training parents and caregivers, providing practical tips, and teaching individuals how to educate kids with autism.
I share evidence-based practices to help you better understand and support individuals with autism. Learn practical strategies to help individuals with autism reach their full potential, as well as gain a deeper understanding and acceptance of autism.
Thank you for considering Autism Advance as a resource for your autism journey.
