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Screening & Early Identification

Screening & Early Identification

Screening identifies possible developmental concerns; it does not diagnose autism. CDC describes recommendations for general developmental screening at 9, 18, and 30 months and autism-specific screening at 18 and 24 months. Raise concerns whenever they arise rather than waiting for a scheduled screening age.

Based on CDC · NIMH · All sources · Checked November 3, 2026

18 & 24months: ages for autism-specific screening at well-child visitsAAP, as described by CDC
Age 2a diagnosis by an experienced professional can be considered reliableCDC
Any timeask for a screening whenever you have a concernCDC

Recommended screening ages

  1. 9 monthsGeneral developmental screening
  2. 18 monthsGeneral developmental screening and autism-specific screening
  3. 24 monthsAutism-specific screening
  4. 30 monthsGeneral developmental screening
  5. Any ageTalk with a health care provider whenever you have a concern

American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for well-child visits, as described by CDC. These are not ages to wait for — ask for a screening any time you have a concern.

Screening is not a diagnosis

Screening tools are formal questionnaires or checklists, based on research, that look at language, movement, thinking, behavior, and emotions. They help identify children who may need a closer look. A screening result does not diagnose autism — a positive result should be followed by a full evaluation.

A two-stage process for young children

Stage 1 — Developmental screening at well-child checkups. The health care provider asks about the child’s behavior and considers caregivers’ experiences and concerns together with screening tools and their own observations. Children with a higher likelihood of autism or developmental problems may receive additional screenings.

Stage 2 — Diagnostic evaluation. If the screening shows differences in behavior or development, the provider may refer the child for a full evaluation by a team experienced in diagnosing autism. What an evaluation involves.

If a screening was missed

If your child misses a well-child visit, or a screening was not done, it should be completed at the next visit. You can ask your child’s provider to do a developmental screening at any time.

Some autism screening can be done at 18 months or younger, and a diagnosis by an experienced professional at age 2 can be considered reliable. Still, many children are not diagnosed until they are much older. Why early support matters.
Sources

Adapted from the National Institute of Mental Health, “Autism Spectrum Disorder,” revised 2025. Our website’s presentation does not imply NIMH endorsement.

Sources checked: November 3, 2026

This website provides general educational information. It does not diagnose autism or replace individualized medical, developmental, psychological, or educational advice. Screening is not diagnosis.

External listings do not imply affiliation, endorsement, or guaranteed services. Eligibility, availability, costs, and insurance coverage may change. Research summaries reflect evidence available at the time of review.