Free Autism Screening Quiz
An adaptive screening tool for parents and caregivers of children ages 2–12 that adjusts questions based on your responses
Important Medical Disclaimer
This autism screener is an educational tool only. It is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis and should not replace professional evaluation. Only a licensed healthcare provider or developmental specialist can diagnose autism. If you have concerns about your child's development, please consult your pediatrician immediately.
🔒 Your responses are completely private and are not stored or shared with anyone.
📊 This adaptive screener adjusts questions based on your responses for efficiency
🔒 Your responses are completely private and are not stored or shared with anyone.
About This Autism Screening Tool
What This Screener Covers
- • Social communication and interaction patterns
- • Repetitive behaviors and restricted interests
- • Sensory sensitivities and responses
- • Daily functioning and developmental milestones
Age Range & Purpose
- • Designed for children ages 2-12 years
- • Intelligent adaptive flow - typically 10-20 questions based on your responses
- • Helps identify patterns that may indicate autism
- • Guides you toward professional consultation
Early Signs of Autism to Watch For
Early identification of autism spectrum disorder can lead to better outcomes through early intervention. This screening tool helps parents recognize key developmental patterns across four critical areas:
Key Areas Assessed:
Eye contact, responding to name, sharing interests, conversation skills
Repetitive movements, routine adherence, intense interests, object attachment
Sound/light sensitivity, texture responses, sensory-seeking behaviors
Daily life functioning, academic performance, social participation
What Happens After the Screening
After completing the screener, you'll receive personalized guidance based on your responses, including:
- Interpretation of your screening results
- Recommendations for next steps
- Resources for professional evaluation
- Tips for supporting your child's development
- Information about early intervention services
Remember: Early Action Makes a Difference
If this screening suggests your child may benefit from professional evaluation, don't wait. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve outcomes for children with autism. Contact your pediatrician or a developmental specialist to discuss your concerns and next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions About Autism Screening
Get answers to common questions about autism screening, early detection, and next steps for your child's development.
How accurate is this autism screening quiz?
This screening tool is designed to identify potential signs of autism spectrum disorder based on established clinical criteria. While it's a helpful first step, it's not a diagnostic tool. Only licensed healthcare professionals can provide an official autism diagnosis. The quiz helps identify patterns that may warrant professional evaluation and gives you valuable information to discuss with your pediatrician.
At what age should I be concerned about autism signs?
Early signs of autism can appear as early as 12-18 months, though some children may not show obvious signs until age 2-3 or later. Key milestones to watch include eye contact, responding to their name, pointing to show interest, and social smiling by 12 months. This screening is designed for children ages 2-12, as signs become more apparent during these developmental years. Trust your instincts - if you notice differences in your child's development, it's never too early to seek guidance.
What should I do if the screening suggests my child may have autism?
If the screening indicates potential autism signs, don't panic - early identification leads to better outcomes. Schedule an appointment with your pediatrician immediately to discuss your concerns and observations. Request a referral to a developmental pediatrician or autism specialist for comprehensive evaluation. Contact your local Early Intervention program (for children under 3) or school district (for children 3+) to learn about available services. Keep detailed notes about your child's behaviors to share with professionals.
How long does the autism screening take to complete?
The screening typically takes 5-10 minutes to complete. It uses an adaptive questioning system, so you may answer anywhere from 10-20 questions depending on your responses. The screener intelligently determines which questions are most relevant based on your previous answers, making the process more efficient while maintaining accuracy. Your responses are completely private and not stored.
Can I retake the screening if my child's behavior changes?
Absolutely! Child development is ongoing, and behaviors can change over time. You may want to retake the screening if you notice new concerns, if your child reaches new developmental milestones, or if previous concerns have improved. Many parents find it helpful to retake the screening every 6-12 months during early childhood to track their child's developmental progress and identify any emerging patterns.
What's the difference between autism screening and autism diagnosis?
Screening tools like this quiz help identify children who may benefit from further evaluation - they're the first step in a process. A formal autism diagnosis requires comprehensive assessment by qualified professionals, including developmental pediatricians, psychologists, or psychiatrists. The diagnostic process typically involves detailed developmental history, standardized assessments, behavioral observations, and sometimes medical testing. Screening tools guide you toward professional evaluation when needed.
Are there different types of autism spectrum disorders?
Autism is now considered a spectrum disorder with varying levels of support needs, rather than separate conditions. The spectrum includes what were formerly called Asperger's syndrome, PDD-NOS, and classic autism. Children may have different combinations of social communication challenges, repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities. Some children need minimal support while others require more intensive assistance. Early screening helps identify where your child might fall on this spectrum.
What early intervention services are available for autism?
Early intervention services vary by location but commonly include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, behavioral therapy (like ABA), and developmental therapies. For children under 3, contact your state's Early Intervention program for free evaluation and services. Children 3 and older can receive services through their local school district's special education program. Private insurance often covers autism-related therapies. The key is starting services as early as possible for the best outcomes.
How can I prepare for a doctor's appointment about autism concerns?
Come prepared with specific examples of your concerns, including when behaviors started and in what situations they occur. Bring your completed screening results to share. Write down questions in advance, such as asking about developmental milestones, referral options, and available local resources. Consider bringing video examples of concerning behaviors if appropriate. Ask about the timeline for evaluation and what steps come next if autism is suspected.
Is this screening appropriate for children with other developmental delays?
This screening can be useful for children with various developmental concerns, as autism sometimes co-occurs with other conditions like intellectual disability, ADHD, or language delays. However, the screening is specifically designed to identify autism characteristics. If your child has other diagnosed conditions, discuss the screening results with your healthcare provider who can interpret them in the context of your child's overall developmental profile.