What is the purpose of the M-CHAT-R/F follow-up interview?

• A. It asks clarifying questions about positive items to reduce false positives; used to determine true risk for ASD prior to referral.
• B. It provides a definitive ASD diagnosis after screening.
• C. It measures general development across multiple domains.
• D. It replaces the initial M-CHAT-R screening.

Answer: (A)

The follow-up interview is used to clarify positive screen results and reduce false positives before deciding on referral. After the initial screen flags concerns, this interview asks targeted, clarifying questions about each positive item to verify whether the behaviors are truly present, their onset, frequency, and whether they occur across settings. By gathering more precise information, it helps determine if there is genuine risk for ASD that warrants a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, rather than incorrectly labeling a child based on an initial screen. It’s not a diagnostic tool and it doesn’t assess general development or replace the initial screen.