Quantitative Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (Q-CHAT)

Author of Tool: 

Allison, C., Baron-Cohen, S. Wheelwright, S., Charman, T., Richler, J., Pasco, G. and Brayne, C.

Key references: 

Allison, C., Baron-Cohen, S. Wheelwright, S., Charman, T., Richler, J., Pasco, G. and Brayne, C. (2008). The Q-CHAT (Quantitative CHecklist for Autism in Toddlers): A Normally Distributed Quantitative Measure of Autistic Traits at 18-24 Months of Age: Preliminary Report. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders

Allison, C. Auyeung, B., Baron-Cohen, S. (2012)
Toward Brief “Red Flags” for Autism Screening: The Short Autism Spectrum Quotient and the Short Quantitative Checklist in 1,000 Cases and 3,000 Controls
Journal of the American Acad of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

Primary use / Purpose: 

The Q-CHAT allows early detection of autism spectrum disorders, at 18-24 months of age. It is a quick measure containing 25 likert-type items describing behaviours a child may or may not engage in.

Background: 

The Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (CHAT) was developed in 2001 to allow health professionals to “red flag” a case for further diagnostic assesment. The Q-CHAT is a modified version which can be completed by a parent and also has higher sensitivity. It includes additional items on language development, social communication and repetitive behaviours.

Psychometrics: 

Psychometrics are discussed in Allison, Auyeung, and Baron-Cohen (2012).

Keywords: 

• Anxiety
• Family

Web link to tool: 

Q-CHAT

Digital Object Identifier (DOI): 

https://dx.doi.org/10.13072/midss.180