ASA SB | Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (CHAT)

A Screening Tool

The following test can be used by a pediatrician or family doctor during the 18 month developmental check-up. The CHAT should not be used as a diagnostic instrument, but can alert the primary health professional to the need for an expert referral.

SECTION A: Ask Parent

__ 1. Does your child enjoy being swung, bounced on your knee, etc.?

__ 2. Does your child take an interest in other children?

__ 3. Does your child like climbing on things, such as up stairs?

__ 4. Does your child enjoy playing peek-a-boo/hide-and-seek?

__ *5. Does your child ever pretend, for example, to make a cup of tea using a toy cup and teapot, or pretend other things (pouring juice)?

__ 6. Does your child ever use his/her index finger to point, to ask for something?

__ *7. Does your child ever use his/her index finger to point, to indicate interest in something?

__ 8. Can your child play properly with small toys (e.g.: car or blocks) without just mouthing, fiddling, or dropping them?

__ 9. Does your child ever bring objects over to you (parent), to show you something?

SECTION B: GP or HV Observation

__ i. During the appointment, has the child made eye contact with you?

__ *ii. Get the child’s attention, then point across the room at an interesting object and say, "Oh look! There’s a (name of toy)!" Watch the child’s face. Does the child look across to see what your are pointing at?

__ *iii. Get the child’s attention, then give child a miniature toy cup and teapot and say, "Can you make a cup of tea?" (Substitute toy pitcher and glass and say, "Can you pour a glass of juice?) Does the child pretend to pour out tea (juice), drink it, etc.?

__ *iv. Say to the child, "Where’s the light?," or "Show me the light." Does the child point with his/her index finger at the light?

__ v. Can the child build a tower of bricks (blocks)? (If so how many?) (Number of bricks....)

*Indicates critical questions that are most indicative of autistic characteristics.

The British Journal of Psychiatry (1996), 168, pp. 158-163.
The British Journal of Psychiatry (1992), 161, pp. 839-843