Autism and developmental assessment
Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-Up (M-CHAT-R/F)
Score interpretation for Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-Up (M-CHAT-R/F)
Reference information · Official-form reference
- Last content update
- 2026-10-26
- Clinical review
- Not independently reviewed
- Source jurisdiction
- See individual sources
- Coverage
- Official-form reference
| Field | Instrument context |
|---|---|
| Version | M-CHAT-R/F; revised screen with required follow-up where indicated |
| Population | Children/adolescents; verify age range for selected form |
| Respondent | Parent with follow-up interviewer |
| Purpose | Score interpretation for Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-Up (M-CHAT-R/F) |
Administration
Use the official age-appropriate M-CHAT-R/F and its two-stage workflow. Developmental surveillance remains necessary even when a screen is negative.
Scoring method
Apply the original reverse key. An initial total of 3–7 requires the corresponding follow-up questions; a first-stage count alone cannot finish that pathway. The official algorithm separately handles totals 0–2 and 8–20.
Interpretation & limitations
- The screen identifies a need for developmental assessment; it does not diagnose autism.
- A follow-up interview is an essential part of the intermediate-score pathway.
- This public page does not reproduce the protected questions or distribute an electronic adaptation. The developer distinguishes private-practice EHR use from public electronic distribution.