M-CHAT™
Diana L. Robins, Ph.D.
M-CHAT™
Diana L. Robins, Ph.D.

Scoring M-CHAT-R/F

The scoring algorithm for M-CHAT-R is as follows:

For most items, YES is a low likelihood response (0 points), and NO indicates an elevated likelihood response (1 point). HOWEVER, items 2, 5, and 12 are reverse scored, meaning that NO is a low likelihood response (0 points) and YES indicates an elevated likelihood (1 point). To score the M-CHAT-R, add up the number of elevated likelihood responses, and follow the algorithm below:

M-CHAT scoring
  • Total Score 0-2 : The score indicates LOW likelihood for autism. No Follow-Up needed. Child has screened  negative. Refer as needed if developmental surveillance or other tools suggest increased likelihood for autism. Rescreen at 24 months if the child is younger than 2 years old.
  • Total Score 3-7 : The score indicates MODERATE likelihood for autism. Administer the M-CHAT-R Follow-Up items that correspond to the elevated likelihood responses. Only those items which were scored as elevated likelihood need to be completed. If 2 or more items continue to indicate elevated likelihood, the result is a positive screen. Refer the child immediately for (a) early intervention and (b) diagnostic evaluation.
  • Total Score: 8-20 : The score indicates HIGH likelihood for autism. The child has screened positive. It is not necessary to complete the M-CHAT-R Follow-Up at this time. Bypass Follow-Up, and refer immediately for (a) early intervention and (b) diagnostic evaluation.

Please note, subsets of items (e.g., best7) are no longer recommended. Total score should include all M-CHAT-R items.

To facilitate scoring, two documents are available for free download: a scoring overlay and an Microsoft excel scoring program.

Scoring template: Print on overhead transparency and lay on top of M-CHAT-R to score. Please note, printers often make minor adjustments. If the template doesn’t fit for your printer, you may adjust the spacing for your use.

Excel scoring program: The scoring program will automatically score YES and NO responses and total the at-risk items. Note: users must have Microsoft Excel to use this program.