Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 5, 2026

Use of a Video Scoring Anchor for Rapid Serial Assessment of Social Communication in Toddlers
09:16

Use of a Video Scoring Anchor for Rapid Serial Assessment of Social Communication in Toddlers

Published on: March 14, 2018

The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers: an initial study investigating the early detection of autism and

D L Robins1, D Fein, M L Barton

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs 06269-1020, USA.

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|July 14, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Early detection of autism in toddlers is crucial for better outcomes. The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) shows promise for identifying children with autism spectrum disorder.

Area of Science:

  • Child Development
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder Research

Background:

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a severe developmental disorder that is challenging to diagnose in early childhood.
  • Early intervention for children with ASD significantly improves long-term prognoses and developmental trajectories.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) as a screening tool for early autism detection.
  • To identify specific M-CHAT items most effective in discriminating between toddlers with and without ASD.

Main Methods:

  • The M-CHAT, a 23-item yes/no questionnaire, was administered to screen 1,293 toddlers.
  • Children who underwent diagnostic/developmental evaluations (n=58) were analyzed, with 39 diagnosed with ASD.
  • Statistical analysis was performed to determine the discriminative power of individual items and the total checklist score.

Main Results:

  • The M-CHAT screening identified toddlers at risk for autism spectrum disorder.
  • Six specific items related to social relatedness and communication demonstrated the highest discriminability between children with and without ASD.
  • Optimized cutoff scores were established for both the key items and the overall M-CHAT checklist.

Conclusions:

  • The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) is a valuable and promising instrument for the early detection of autism spectrum disorder in toddlers.
  • Targeted screening using specific M-CHAT items can enhance diagnostic accuracy for early identification of ASD.

More Related Videos

Portable Intermodal Preferential Looking (IPL): Investigating Language Comprehension in Typically Developing Toddlers and Young Children with Autism10:11

Portable Intermodal Preferential Looking (IPL): Investigating Language Comprehension in Typically Developing Toddlers and Young Children with Autism

Published on: December 14, 2012

Related Concept Videos

Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.