At ABS Kids, we’re committed to helping families take meaningful first steps toward understanding and supporting their child’s development. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce the launch of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT)—a free, research-backed autism screening tool now available on our website.
Whether you're a caregiver with concerns about your child’s development, a pediatrician seeking reliable screening tools, or a community partner working with families of young children, the M-CHAT offers a simple and powerful way to detect early signs of autism and take action.
What Is the M-CHAT?
The M-CHAT is a scientifically validated, 20-question screening questionnaire designed to detect the likelihood of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in toddlers aged 16 to 30 months. Developed by Dr. Diana Robins, Director of the AJ Drexel Autism Institute and a leading expert in early autism detection, the M-CHAT is now a widely used tool endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
The tool assesses critical areas of development such as:
Once completed, caregivers receive their results and suggested next steps via email within minutes.
“Parents really are the experts on their child,” explains Dr. Diana Robins, lead researcher behind the M-CHAT and guest on our latest Autism Weekly Podcast. “Even if they don’t know every developmental milestone, they know what’s typical for their child—and that’s the insight we need to start early intervention.”
Why Early Autism Screening Matters
Scientific studies show that early detection of autism significantly improves long-term outcomes. According to Dr. Robins, toddlers’ brains are especially “plastic,” meaning they can absorb and learn at a faster pace. That’s why it’s so important to identify developmental differences before age three.
Early intervention helps children build foundational skills, including:
“When children receive support earlier, they have a smaller developmental gap to close and more time to grow,” says Dr. Robins on the Autism Weekly Podcast.
How ABS Kids Supports Families After M-CHAT Screening
At ABS Kids, we use the M-CHAT as an entry point to guide families toward a deeper understanding of their child’s needs. If the screening indicates a moderate or high likelihood of autism, our team will follow up to help arrange:
While the M-CHAT itself does not provide a formal diagnosis, it helps identify whether a child may benefit from further evaluation by a licensed clinician.
Importantly, the M-CHAT does not impact any ongoing ABA therapy or services already in place. It’s intended specifically for children who have not yet been diagnosed.
Who Should Use the M-CHAT?
The M-CHAT is ideal for:
ABS Kids encourages healthcare professionals and community partners to share this resource at health fairs, screenings, back-to-school events, or whenever families inquire about autism services.
Listen and Learn: The Autism Weekly Podcast ft. Dr. Diana Robins
Want to learn more about how the M-CHAT was developed and why it's such a valuable tool? In our latest episode of the Autism Weekly Podcast, host Jeff Skibitsky talks with Dr. Diana Robins about:
Dr. Robins also offers empowering advice for caregivers: “While you're waiting for a diagnosis or services, every moment can become a learning opportunity—through everyday interactions like dressing, mealtime, and play.”
Start Screening Today
The M-CHAT is free to use and available 24/7 on our website. Results are delivered instantly to your inbox with actionable insights and next steps. The tool is:
About ABS Kids
ABS Kids is a leading provider of applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder. We serve families across multiple states through in-home and center-based care, with a commitment to early intervention, clinical excellence, and compassionate support.
Our mission is to empower children with autism spectrum disorders and their families to reach their full potential through diagnosis and individualized ABA therapy.