M-CHAT-R Online Autism Screener for Toddlers

The M-CHAT-R is a free, research-backed questionnaire that helps parents understand whether their toddler may be showing early signs of autism. It takes about five minutes to complete and is available to any family in the Houston area — no referral required.

The M-CHAT-R is a screening tool, not a diagnostic tool. It cannot confirm or rule out an autism diagnosis. A high-risk result means your child may benefit from a professional evaluation — it is not a verdict.

Take the M-CHAT-R Below

Learn About the ADOS-2 Evaluation

What is the M-CHAT-R?

The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised — commonly called the M-CHAT-R — is a parent-report screening questionnaire developed to identify toddlers who may be at increased risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is one of the most widely used and well-researched autism screeners in the world for children in the toddler age range.

The M-CHAT-R is not administered or scored by a clinician. Parents and caregivers answer 20 yes/no questions based on their own everyday observations of their child’s behavior. The results help indicate whether a follow-up evaluation with a qualified professional may be worthwhile.

The M-CHAT-R is best suited for children between 16 and 30 months of age. If your child is older than 30 months, please call our team at (713) 425-4248 to discuss which screening option is most appropriate.

How the M-CHAT-R works

How long does it take?

Most parents complete the M-CHAT-R in five minutes or less.

What kinds of behaviors does it ask about?

The M-CHAT-R focuses on developmental behaviors that are often associated with early autism. Questions cover areas including:

Social connection — Does your child enjoy interacting with other children? Do they respond when you call their name?
Pointing and gestures — Does your child point to show you something interesting? Do they use gestures to communicate wants and needs?
Joint attention — When you point at something across the room, does your child look in that direction?
Imitation and pretend play — Does your child imitate what they see others do? Do they engage in simple make-believe play?
Sensory and movement patterns — Does your child engage in unusual repetitive movements or seem particularly sensitive to sounds or textures?

Is the M-CHAT-R the same as a diagnosis?

No. The M-CHAT-R is a screener — its purpose is to flag children who may benefit from a closer look, not to provide a clinical diagnosis. A diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder requires a comprehensive evaluation by a licensed professional such as a developmental pediatrician, child psychologist, or neuropsychologist. Fast Track ABA Center can help you understand your child’s results and connect you with the right next steps.

Understanding M-CHAT-R scores

The M-CHAT-R assigns a score based on your responses. Each question is weighted to reflect whether a behavior is a potential indicator of autism risk.

Score Range	What It Means	Recommended Next Step
0–2	Low likelihood of autism-related traits	Continue routine developmental monitoring with your pediatrician
3–7	Some traits present; further review recommended	Speak with your child’s pediatrician; consider a professional evaluation
8–20	Higher likelihood; professional evaluation strongly recommended	Contact Fast Track ABA Center to discuss scheduling an ADOS-2 assessment

Important: A high score does not mean your child has autism. Many children who score in the higher range do not receive an autism diagnosis after a full evaluation. Likewise, some autistic children score lower on screeners. This tool is a starting point, not a final answer.

Take the M-CHAT-R

Answer each question based on how your child typically behaves. If you’ve seen your child do something a few times but it’s not their usual pattern, answer “No.”

No	Questions	Yes	No
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 it?	Yes	No
2	Have you ever wondered if your child might be deaf?	Yes	No
3	Does your child play pretend or make-believe? For example, pretend to drink from an empty cup, pretend to talk on the phone, or feed a doll/stuffed animal.	Yes	No
4	Does your child like climbing on things? Furniture, playground equipment, or stairs.	Yes	No
5	Does your child make unusual finger movements near his or her eyes? For example, wiggling fingers close to the eyes.	Yes	No
6	Does your child point with one finger to ask for something or help? For example, pointing to a snack or toy that is out of reach.	Yes	No
7	Does your child point with one finger to show you something interesting? For example, pointing at an airplane or a big truck.	Yes	No
8	Is your child interested in other children?	Yes	No
9	Does your child show you things by bringing them to you just to share? Not to get help, but just to show (toy, flower, etc.)	Yes	No
10	Does your child respond when you call his or her name?	Yes	No
11	When you smile at your child, does he or she smile back?	Yes	No
12	Does your child get upset by everyday noises? For example, a vacuum cleaner or loud music.	Yes	No
13	Does your child walk?	Yes	No
14	Does your child look you in the eye when interacting with you?	Yes	No
15	Does your child try to copy what you do?	Yes	No
16	If you look at something, does your child follow your gaze?	Yes	No
17	Does your child try to get you to watch him or her?	Yes	No
18	Does your child understand simple instructions?	Yes	No
19	Does your child look at your face when something new happens?	Yes	No
20	Does your child like movement activities (e.g., swinging or bouncing)?	Yes	No

What does an ADOS-2 evaluation look like at Fast Track?

Once you submit the M-CHAT-R, a member of the Fast Track ABA Center team will reach out to you — typically within one business day — to discuss your child’s results and walk you through what they mean.

If your child’s score is low (0–2): This is a reassuring result. Most children in this range are unlikely to be on the autism spectrum. We’ll confirm your results and encourage you to continue routine check-ins with your pediatrician. You’re always welcome to reach out again if your concerns change.

If your child’s score is medium (3–7): This score suggests it may be worth a closer look. We’ll follow up to discuss the results and can help you think through whether a professional evaluation makes sense for your child. Your child’s pediatrician is also a great person to bring this information to.

If your child’s score is high (8–20): We’ll connect with you within one business day to discuss next steps, which may include scheduling an ADOS-2 evaluation at our Katy or Richmond location. A high score is not a diagnosis — but it does mean your child deserves the benefit of a more thorough assessment.

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Learn About the ADOS-2

M-CHAT-R frequently asked questions

Can I take the M-CHAT-R more than once?

Yes. If your child is still within the toddler age range and your concerns haven’t been fully resolved, you can retake the screener at a later point. Children develop quickly, and behaviors can change — it’s reasonable to check in again if something new comes up.

What if I'm not sure how to answer some of the questions?

Answer based on what you’ve seen most often. If a behavior happens occasionally but isn’t typical for your child, answer “No.” If you’re genuinely unsure about a question, our team is happy to walk through the screener with you. Just give us a call at (713) 425-4248.

Is the M-CHAT-R accurate?

The M-CHAT-R is a validated screening tool and is widely used by pediatricians and ABA providers across the country. Like all screeners, it is not perfect — it can flag children who turn out not to have autism (false positives) and may not flag every autistic child (false negatives). That’s why it is always a first step, not a final answer. A professional evaluation is the appropriate path for families with ongoing concerns.

My pediatrician said my child is fine, but I still have concerns. What should I do?

Trust your instincts. Parents are often the first to notice when something feels different, and your observations matter. If you still have concerns after speaking with your pediatrician, you are absolutely within your rights to seek a second opinion or a more thorough evaluation. Fast Track ABA Center is here to help — reach out to our team to talk through what you’re seeing.

Where is Fast Track ABA Center located?

We serve families throughout the Greater Houston area from our two locations:

Katy, TX — 423 Mason Park Blvd, Suite A
Richmond, TX — 1118 Minonite Rd

Questions about your child's development? We're here.

At Fast Track ABA Center, we know that the space between “something feels different” and “we have answers” can be one of the most anxious stretches of parenting. Our team — led by founder Samantha Katchy, M.A., BCBA, LBA — is here to walk alongside your family with expertise, warmth, and zero pressure.