What is the M-CHAT-R/F and for what age range is it intended?

• A. A parent-completed autism risk screening tool for children aged 16–30 months; M-CHAT-R is the initial screen and F is the follow-up interview for positive screens.
• B. A teacher-rated screen for language in toddlers; ages 24-36 months.
• C. A physician-administered behavioral check for adolescents.
• D. A self-report screen for early childhood anxiety.

Answer: (A)

The M-CHAT-R/F is a parent-completed screening tool designed to flag autism risk in young children. It targets children aged 16 to 30 months. The M-CHAT-R part is the initial screen parents fill out about their child’s development. If the screen comes back positive, a follow-up interview (the F) is conducted to clarify responses and reduce false positives before deciding whether a formal evaluation is needed. This tool is not for teachers, not physician-administered in adolescents, and not a self-report about anxiety; it’s specifically for early autism screening in toddlers to guide next steps in assessment.