Online M-CHAT autism screening tool

The primary goal of the M-CHAT is to detect as many cases of ASD as possible. In scientific terms, this is known as “maximizing sensitivity.” This means the test tries to be very sensitive and identify the most amount of children who may benefit from early intervention. The M-CHAT might say a child is “at risk” even if they don’t have autism. However, this high sensitivity ensures children receive the help they need who might otherwise slip through the cracks.

Identifying autism spectrum disorder in children early is important because it allows for timely access to early intensive behavioral interventions (EIBIs) like applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy. ABA therapy has been proven to help children with autism improve their communication and social skills, prepare them for school, and reduce target behaviors.

Caregivers play a vital role in monitoring their child’s development and advocating for their child’s needs. Early autism detection, using tools like the M-CHAT, can significantly improve a child’s well-being.

After completing the M-CHAT, a Clinic Admissions Associate (CAA) will contact you within one business day. They will discuss what the next steps may look like for your family. Depending on your child’s score, they may recommend you schedule your child for the ADOS-2. The ADOS-2 is a face-to-face assessment that can help determine whether your child meets the criteria for an autism diagnosis. This assessment is conducted in our centers by highly trained professionals.

If your child receives a high-risk M-CHAT score, it does not mean they have autism. Instead, it is a tool that helps identify children who may need further evaluation. The M-CHAT casts a wide net to ensure any child with potential ASD signs receives the support they need.