Which statement best describes the M-CHAT-R/F?

• A. It is a parent-completed autism risk screening tool with a follow-up interview for positive screens.
• B. It is a teacher-completed autism screening for toddlers.
• C. It is a clinician-administered diagnostic interview.
• D. It is a parent-completed autism risk screening tool that does not require follow-up.

Answer: (A)

The M-CHAT-R/F is a parent-completed screening tool used to identify children at risk for autism in the toddler years. It isn’t a diagnostic test, but a quick way to flag kids who may need a more thorough evaluation. The “R/F” version includes a follow-up interview that is given if the initial screen suggests potential risk. This follow-up clarifies certain responses and helps reduce false positives, making the screening more accurate. It’s not completed by teachers, and it’s not a clinician-administered diagnostic interview. Follow-up is a key part of the process when the screen is positive, guiding the next steps in evaluation. It’s commonly used during early well-child visits, around 18–24 months, to decide whether to pursue additional assessment.