Overview
The M-CHAT-R/F is a two-stage parent-report screening tool for autism risk in toddlers aged 16-30 months. A structured Follow-Up Interview reduces false positives.
Use cases
Universal pediatric autism screening in primary care; epidemiological studies.
Assessment intelligence
- Score range
- 0 – 20
- Direction
- Higher = worse
- Scoring method
- Algorithm
- Time to score
- ~5 min
- Total Risk Items0-20
| Severity | Threshold | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Low risk | 0-2 | No further action unless surveillance suggests risk |
| Medium risk | 3-7 | Administer Follow-Up; refer if score remains ≥2 |
| High risk | 8-20 | Bypass Follow-Up; refer immediately for diagnostic evaluation |
Two-stage screen with M-CHAT-R/F follow-up interview.
Editorial notes
Detects ~85% of cases at age 24 months in primary-care samples; widely used in well-child surveillance.
Available languages
Validation studies (2)
- Two-stage M-CHAT-R/F validation in primary careRobins DL, Casagrande K, et al. · Pediatrics · 2014DOI: 10.1542/peds.2013-1813
- M-CHAT-R/F follow-up interview impact on positive predictive valueChlebowski C, Robins DL, et al. · Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics · 2013DOI: 10.1097/DBP.0b013e31827d2dca
Related assessments
Gold-standard semi-structured observation for ASD diagnosis across the lifespan.
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SRS-2Quantitative rating of autistic social impairment, lifespan coverage.
ADI-RStandardized parent interview pairing with ADOS-2 for ASD diagnosis.
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