The Infant-Toddler Checklist (ITC) is a screening tool designed to evaluate communication skills in young children, particularly those between the ages of 6 and 24 months. Developed as part of the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales Developmental Profile (CSBS DP), the ITC serves to identify children who may be at risk for developmental delays in communication, including language, social, and symbolic abilities. The checklist is intended for use by parents, caregivers, and professionals who are in regular contact with the child, providing a user-friendly method for assessing early communication milestones.

The structure of the ITC encompasses questions that cover a broad range of communication skills, including the child’s use of gestures, sounds, words, understanding of language, and use of objects and toys. Each item on the checklist is carefully designed to capture key behaviors that are indicative of a child’s communication abilities. Upon completion, the checklist offers a score that helps in determining whether a child may benefit from further evaluation or intervention services. This scoring system allows for early detection of potential developmental issues, which is paramount for initiating timely and appropriate support or intervention.

Moreover, the ITC is valued for its ease of use and accessibility. It can be completed without the need for specialized training, making it a practical choice for early screening in diverse settings, from pediatric clinics to community centers and homes. The checklist not only serves as a preliminary assessment tool but also raises awareness among parents and caregivers about the developmental milestones related to communication. By facilitating early identification of children who may require additional support, the ITC plays a supportive role in the broader context of early childhood development, aiming to ensure that all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential in communication and related developmental areas.

The Infant Toddler Checklist (ITC) is a designed to be completed by a parent of 6 to 24 month old children, or children of age who exhibit communication delays, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

It is designed to identify different aspects of development in infants and toddlers. Many behaviors that develop before children talk may indicate whether or not a child will have difficulty learning to talk. This Checklist should be completed by a caregiver when the child is between 6 and 24 months of age to determine whether a referral for an evaluation is needed. The caregiver may be either a parent or another person who nurtures the child daily. Please check all the choices that best describe your child’s behavior. If you are not sure, please choose the closest response based on your experience. Children at your child’s age are not necessarily expected to use all the behaviors listed.