What Is the CHAT Autism Screening?

PostedNovember 7, 2025

UpdatedNovember 7, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Lucia Alvarez, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

The CHAT autism screening (Checklist for Autism in Toddlers) is a widely used tool designed to help detect early signs of autism in toddlers, typically around the age of 18 months. This tool provides an early screening method for healthcare professionals to assess whether a child may be showing signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Early screening is crucial, as identifying autism symptoms early can help initiate interventions that can significantly improve developmental outcomes for the child.

The CHAT autism screening involves a simple checklist completed by parents or caregivers, which helps identify early screening indicators of autism, such as social communication difficulties, repetitive behaviours, or delays in speech development.

How the CHAT Autism Screening Works

Here’s how the CHAT autism screening operates:

Checklist for Autism:

The CHAT consists of 12 key questions focused on a toddler’s communication, social behaviour, and play skills. The questions are designed to assess whether the child exhibits behaviours that are commonly associated with autism, such as making eye contact, responding to their name, or engaging in pretend play.

Early Screening:

The CHAT screening tool helps identify children who may be at risk for autism spectrum disorder. It is particularly useful for detecting signs that might otherwise go unnoticed in toddlers who are still developing their communication and social skills.

Toddler Assessment:

The CHAT is designed specifically for toddler assessment, focusing on behaviours that typically emerge around 18 months of age. This is a critical time for identifying developmental delays, and using the CHAT screening tool at this stage can help ensure that any concerns are addressed promptly.

While the CHAT autism screening is a helpful tool for identifying potential concerns, a definitive diagnosis requires a more comprehensive evaluation by a specialist. For expert advice and personalised consultations, visit providers like Autism Detect to guide you through the next steps.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Autism Screening and Assessment Tools.

Lucia Alvarez, MSc

Author

Lucia Alvarez is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience providing evidence-based therapy and psychological assessment to children, adolescents, and adults. Skilled in CBT, DBT, and other therapeutic interventions, she has worked in hospital, community, and residential care settings. Her expertise includes grief counseling, anxiety management, and resilience-building, with a strong focus on creating safe, supportive environments to improve mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.