How reliable is the M-CHAT assessment? Any experiences?

[windy2909]

Hi there,

I’ve posted before about my little boy’s speech delay. Regrettably he is approaching 2.5 and has no words. This is obviously a huge concern for us and we are taking steps to try to help him as much as possible. With his speech delay, comes the concern that he may have autism. I’ve completed the M-chat assessment online and he’s only scored 1 (and this was one we answered truthfully as we weren’t sure if we’d ever noticed him do this thing) - so the assessment indicates low risk.

Apart from the speech delay, the only thing I can say that he does that could be linked to autism is he likes to line things up when he plays (although my understanding is that some children without autism do this whilst playing).

So my question is - has anyone used this assessment tool and had a low risk score for their child but later had a diagnosis of autism for their child?

Any experiences would be gratefully received!

I honestly don't know but I think it's only an indication of risk.

Maybe someone would know in the SN Section?

@windy2909 I am an autism parent and I do not think that the M-chat is great because autism is so much more than anything that could ever be put into 13 questions (or however many are in it) while it may pick up some children, it’s bound to leave a large number of autistic children out.

@PanicBuyingSprouts - thanks. I hadn’t thought to post one there. Will give it a try.

@Salson - thanks for your opinion. It’s good to hear what other people with experience of autism think.

Just to add, I’d go with your gut feeling on whether you want to push for a paediatrician referral. Waiting lists are long, so it’s good to get on asap. By the time the appointment comes around your worries may have eased and you could then cancel. Hopefully he will have some support for speech delay anyway.

Also, neurotypical children do line up toys up as well. My younger brother always lined up his toys and he is not autistic. Maybe think about your DS’s play as a whole like, does he have a lot of imaginative play and is it very varied in the way he plays? That could give you some clues. *although autistic children can have really good imaginary play in some cases but just thought it could be something to think about.

@Salson - thanks for the tips. Yes, I’ve already asked for him to be added to the waiting list for paediatrician - health visitor said waiting time was usually a year but has jumped to two 😳. He will play with teddies and figures and make them do things, occasionally. He does seem to like playing with his cars the most but will play with other toys each day too. He loves being outdoors, walking and playing in parks and loves being read to as well. I just don’t know. I’d rather prepare myself in case he does autism - hence the post on here.

@windy2909 sounds like you are really on top of things. It’s difficult I know, either way he’s still the same little boy. Enjoy him and things will become clearer as he gets older. Remember to be kind to yourself.

@Salson - Thank you. You’re right…it’s so easy to get bogged down in worrying and scrutinising every behaviour. He is lovely, just the way he is.

It seems to me that because your son has speech delay you are assuming autism when there are no other signs. There can be lots of reasons for speech delay so it doesn't follow that speech delay equals autism. Lots of kids line up toys, it's a normal part of developmental stages- see schemas.