Need M-CHAT help please (long)

mightmom13

I got the M-CHAT form in the mail last week for DDs 18 month visit next week. There are some things I don't quite know how to "yes or no" answer/definitions. If you have time to read or chime in that would be helpful.

Background: DD is very delayed in expressive speech, started SLP this week which will incorporate food therapy for unknown cause (ENT and swallow study recommended by EI), PT eval for gross motor next week, food allergies, and possible genetic mitochondial disease.

"does she like" climbing?: she does it try to go upstairs and the couch for diaper change

Is this pretend play?: has rolled a car a couple times since SLP, when the phone rings she makes signs "phone" and may make a sound, mainly plays with house-hold items and wants to immitate chores for fun or dump and fill play. Will put her favorite stuffed things on her couch.

showing objects: occasionally for approval it seems, mostly brings toys to me to hold for dump and play - will point at outside noises.

She use to have fits with noises for months but it seems I have her trained to be prepared, i.e. "Mommy's going to vacumm now, loud noise" so this would answer no now?

Name response: She will respond to her name after 3-4 calls even if close by.

Looking for toy when pointing: It takes her awhile to find it but she does look. Eyes are good.

Finger movements are near face, mostly when sitting still, when tired, or when she comes back from a parental visit when she "takes inventory" of her things.

Is using me or others to hold things attracting attention to her activity?

She understands a lot of what I say commands "come with mommy, get your water/drink, hold mommy's hand" but I sometimes need to slow it down in steps for her at eye level for new or tasks not done often and multi-step requests. When she answers questions from me, it sometimes takes awhile to get to the "true" answer but she gets there. So yes?

Checking my reaction: She clings especially hard with unfamilar doesn't really look to me, but will check my reaction when she knows she is doing something she is not supposed to. This question is hard for me because I feel we are pretty routine.

If you read this - thank you SO much for your time! Single parent and grandparents who live in 1970s - I was born in the 80s, lol.

Assembly_Reqd

I agree with Auntie. You are overthinking this. Just answer it right off the top of your head as if a girlfriend were asking the questions. You cannot fail the "test". It is a screening. If a more detailed look is needed, the pediatrician should guide you or tell you how much of the behavior is typical or not.

My child had a lot of stuff checked off on the MCHAT that I knew could be red flags, but he does not have Autism. I know it is hard answering them honestly. I was worrying more and more each thing that I knew was a red flag. Good Luck.

mightmom13

Thank you two; I will talk to her ped office AND make a copy. They like to watch and wait, which is fine - but that has ended in my daughter recieving late therapies at least 2 health issues and DDs actual ped will be on on maternity leave.

Her SLP contractor offer a lot of their services through EI since she is already in speech - so if I ever feel I need a second look I have resources. I do worry, and try to find the answer myself too much.

Thanks again.