Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (CHAT)
Because most children start showing symptoms of autism
at about 18-24 months, British researchers have developed
a screening tool called the Checklist for Autism in
Toddlers (CHAT - please
click here for more information). The CHAT (which
takes five minutes to administer) has been shown to
be highly effective in predicting which children will
develop autism, PDD, Asperger's or other developmental
syndromes.
There
are no medical tests for diagnosing autism. An accurate
diagnosis must be based on observation of the individual's
communication, behavior and developmental levels and
should be made by a professional who has experience
with developmental disorders, such as a psychiatrist,
pediatric neurologist, psychologist or developmental
pediatrician. These professionals should employ standard
tests such as the C.H.A.T.
|
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.
| Yes |
No |
I.
During the appointment, has the child made eye contact
with you? |
| Yes |
No |
*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? (1) |
| Yes |
No |
*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? (2) |
| Yes |
No |
*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? (3) |
| Yes |
No |
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.
1.
(To record YES on this item, ensure the child has not
simply looked at your hand, but has actually looked
at the object you are pointing at.)
2.
(If you can elicit an example of pretending in some
other game, score a YES on this item.)
3.
(Repeat this with, "Where's the Teddy Bear?"
or some other unreachable object; if child does not
understand the word "light". To record a YES
on this item, the child must have looked up at your
face around the time of pointing.)
The
British Journal of Psychiatry, 1996, vol 168, pp. 158-163
The
British Journal of Psychiatry, 1992, vol 161, pp. 839-843
|
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