How to Screen Early for Autism

How to Screen Early for Autism

Parents often worry: “Is my child developing like others?” Early screening for autism answers this question. It helps detect delays so kids get support sooner.

Here is why screening matters, what it involves, and how to do it.

Why early screening matters

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has no blood test. Professionals diagnose ASD by observing behavior and looking at developmental history.

• If children are identified early, interventions often work better. Skills in communication, social interaction, and behavior can improve when support begins in toddler years.

• Pediatric experts recommend that every child get autism-specific screening at certain ages, even if no signs are obvious. That avoids delays.

What screening involves

Screening means using standard tools to see if a child may have delays. It is not a diagnosis. If screening raises concern, a more detailed evaluation follows.

Here’s how screening usually works:

1. Developmental monitoring
   Caregivers and health providers track milestones: speaking, walking, playing, etc. If a child is behind in some areas or caregivers are worried, that signals a need for screening.

2. Developmental screening
   This is more formal. It uses questionnaires or observation tools. It occurs even when no specific concerns exist.

3. ASD-specific screening
   For ASD risk, tools are used that target social communication, behavior, and interaction differences. Common ages for this screening: around 18 months and 24 months.

Common screening tools

Some tools stand out. Here are a few used often:

• M-CHAT-R (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised)
  For ages 16–30 months. Parent fills questionnaire. If results flag risk, follow-up interview may help clarify.

• STAT (Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers and Young Children)
  Interactive assessment done by a trained professional. Uses play, communication, imitation tasks.

• ASQ (Ages and Stages Questionnaires)
  General developmental screening. Looks at communication, motor skills, problem solving, social skills. Helps catch delays that might be autism or other conditions.

Special Needs Care Network Free Screener

Adaptive Screener

• PEDS (Parents’ Evaluation of Developmental Status)
  A parent-interview tool that identifies developmental or behavioral issues.

When to screen

• Routine checkups: health providers should ask about milestones at every well child visit.

• Formal screenings at ages 9, 18, and 30 months for general development. ASD-specific screenings at 18 & 24 months.

• Earlier or more frequent screening if risk factors exist (family history, other developmental delays) or if caregivers raise concerns.

What happens after screening

If screening suggests risk of ASD:

1. The provider explains findings to caregivers.

2. Referral to specialists (developmental pediatrician, psychologist, speech therapist) for diagnostic evaluation. They use criteria like DSM-5 or ICD-11.

3. If diagnosis is confirmed, early intervention services begin. Therapy might include speech, occupational, behavioral strategies. The sooner support starts, the better.

Challenges & what to watch out for

• Some tools may miss signs, especially for girls, children from under-resourced settings, or when cultural or language differences exist.

• Not all places have access to specialists for diagnosis. That can delay intervention.

• Caregiver concerns matter. If you feel something is off, push for screening or second opinion.

Next steps for parents & caregivers

• Track your child’s development. Use checklists or milestone tracking tools.

• Ask your child’s doctor at well visits about autism screening.

• If screening tool suggests risk, don’t wait. Ask for diagnostic evaluation.

• Seek early intervention services. Local services, community health centers, or developmental clinics may help.