For Children and Toddlers

When to Screen: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends routine autism screenings at 18 and 24-month well-child checkups.

What to Expect: The doctor will evaluate behaviors like pointing, pretend play, and responding to their name.

Next Steps: If a screening flags potential developmental delays, We offer evaluation and diagnosis for autism spectrum disorder using DSM 5 criteria or refer further if needed.

About developmental screening

Developmental screening can be done by a number of professionals in health care, community, and school settings. However, primary healthcare providers are in a unique position to promote children's developmental health.

Primary care providers have regular contact with children before they reach school age and are able to provide family-centered, comprehensive, coordinated care, including a more complete medical assessment when a screening indicates a child is at risk for a developmental problem.

Research has found that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can sometimes be detected at 18 months or younger. By age 2 years, a diagnosis by an experienced professional can be considered very reliable.¹ However, many children do not receive a final diagnosis until they are much older. This delay means that children with ASD might not get the help they need. The earlier ASD is diagnosed, the sooner treatment services can begin.