The Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (CHAT) is a screening instrument to identify young children at risk for developing autism. The intent is to identify children who might benefit from early interventions.
Patients: children 18 months of age
Behaviors seen in normally developing children but restricted in children with autism
(1) joint attention (ability to establish a shared focus of attention with another person by pointing, showing or gaze monitoring)
(2) pretend play (play involving the attribution of imaginary features to people, objects or events)
Sections:
(1) questionnaire for parents
(2) observation by health care practitioner
Questions for Parent(s) - 9 questions
Observations by Practitioner - 5 questions
Responses: Yes or No
"No" Responses (Failures)
Risk of Autism
questions 5 and 7, AND observations 2, 3 and 4
high
question 7 AND observation 4
medium
all other patterns
low
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