M-CHAT-R Autism Screening for 17-Month-Olds
At 17 months, social communication behaviours are well observable and the M-CHAT-R is a validated, parent-completed tool for identifying early autism indicators. If you have noticed differences in how your child engages, points, or responds to their name, this is a good time to complete the checklist.
- Questions
- 20
- Format
- Yes / No
- Time
- ~5 minutes
- Completed by
- Parent or caregiver
- Age range
- 16–30 months
About the M-CHAT-R
By 17 months, children typically have 5–15 recognisable words and are beginning to point to pictures in books when named. Social referencing — looking at a caregiver's face to gauge a reaction before deciding how to respond to a new situation — is an important milestone at this age.
Joint attention (pointing to show interest and checking back to share that interest with a caregiver) is one of the strongest early predictors of social communication development. Limited pointing to share interest, reduced eye contact during play, or inconsistent name response are early indicators that the M-CHAT-R is designed to capture.
Source: Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised — Robins, Fein & Barton (2009)
Frequently asked questions
- What is joint attention, and why does it matter at 17 months?
- Joint attention is the ability to share focus on the same object or event with another person — for example, pointing at a bird and then looking back at you to confirm you both noticed it. By 17 months, most children show joint attention regularly. It is one of the strongest early predictors of social communication development and a core focus of the M-CHAT-R.
- My 17-month-old doesn't wave bye-bye yet. Should I be concerned?
- Waving typically emerges between 9 and 12 months, but some children develop gestures later. If waving is absent at 17 months alongside other M-CHAT-R items — such as limited pointing or inconsistent name response — completing the full checklist helps identify whether the combination warrants follow-up.
- What happens if my child screens at risk?
- A positive screen means enough reported behaviours are present to warrant further evaluation. The recommended next step is a referral to a developmental paediatrician, paediatric psychologist, or specialist autism diagnostic service. Early referral leads to earlier access to support.
- Does a positive screen mean my child has autism?
- No. A positive screen is not a diagnosis. Many children who screen positive do not receive an autism diagnosis after full evaluation. Only a qualified clinician carrying out a comprehensive assessment can diagnose autism spectrum disorder.
- How long does the screening take?
- Most parents complete the M-CHAT-R in 3 to 5 minutes. Results and guidance are available immediately after the last question.
Free · Private · Results in under 15 minutes