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.
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.
Most parents complete the M-CHAT-R in five minutes or less.
The M-CHAT-R focuses on developmental behaviors that are often associated with early autism. Questions cover areas including:
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.
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.
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.”
M-CHAT-R™ is © 2009 Robins, Fein, & Barton. Used for educational and screening purposes.
| 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 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We serve families throughout the Greater Houston area from our two locations:
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.
© 2026 Fast Track ABA Center. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy
