health sectionhealth sectionIt has been shown that children respond best to autism therapies the earlier they begin to receive them. Fortunately, knowledge about autism spectrum disorders has grown in the last few years, and it is now easier to identify children with autistic tendencies at a younger age. The primary tool for finding an autism spectrum disorder is the M-CHAT or modified checklist of autism in toddlers. This test is available online and contains 23 questions about how your child interacts. The Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) is a longer, more in-depth test intended for children older than 24 months.
The test formerly known as the Autism Screening Questionnaire, or ASQ, is now called the Social Communication Questionnaire or SCQ. It is given by a parent or caregiver and takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. The test is designed to be given to anyone above the age of 4 years old. However, even though a child may meet the physical age requirement, he must have a mental age that exceeds 2 years old for accuracy.
Parents and physicians caring for children who may have autism use the CHAT screening questionnaire. The term CHAT stands for Checklist for Autism in Toddlers. Best completed by a pediatrician, the CHAT screening questionnaire looks at the developmental behavior of a child who is at least 18 months in age. The results will guide you in determining whether your child needs further screening.
