Every child develops in their own way and at their own pace. Some children talk early, others take more time. Some thrive in busy environments, while others prefer a quiet routine. With April being Autism Awareness Month, some parents may be wondering, “How do I know if my child should be screened for autism?”

Understanding autism and when to seek guidance can help families feel more confident, informed and supported.

Understanding autism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition related to differences in how the brain grows and processes information. These differences can influence how a person communicates, interacts, learns and experiences the world around them. The word spectrum is important because autism does not look the same in every person.

Some individuals may have strong language and academic skills and live independently as adults. Others may need significant daily support or communicate only nonverbally. Many people with autism fall somewhere in between.

Autism typically begins in early childhood and continues throughout life, although needs and strengths often change over time.

Signs of autism may not be obvious

Some children show signs of autism in the first year of life, while others meet early milestones and then experience a slowing or loss of skills between 18 and 24 months. Autism is identified by patterns of development and behavior over time, typically in two main areas:

Social communication and interaction

• Limited or inconsistent eye contact

• Not consistently responding to their name

• Fewer gestures, such as pointing or waving

• Preference for playing alone

• Difficulty with group play or pretend play

• Delays in speech or limited back-and-forth conversation

• Appearing unaware of others’ emotions

Behaviors, interests or sensory differences

• Repeating words, phrases or movements

• Lining up toys or playing in repetitive ways

• Intense focus on specific topics

• Strong need for routines and distress with change

• Sensitivity to sounds, textures, lights or smells

Children may also have differences in language, attention, sleep, eating or emotional regulation. Diagnosis begins with screening.

When should a child be screened?

Screening is about understanding a child’s development. Pediatric providers routinely monitor your child’s development during well-child visits. It is recommended to have formal development screenings at nine months, 18 months and 30 months, as well as autism-specific screenings at 18 months and 24 months.

However, parents and caregivers are often the first to notice developmental differences and can request an autism screening if they're concerned, regardless of age. You might consider speaking with your child’s health care provider if your child has:

• Loss of previously learned skill.

• Delays in speech and communication.

• Limited social engagement.

• Strong reactions to routine changes or sensory experiences.

To diagnose autism, health professionals look closely at a child’s behavior and developmental history through a few steps:

Developmental monitoring

• Your pediatric provider will have ongoing conversations with you and track your child’s milestones, behavior, communication and play skills.

Developmental screening

• A health professional will ask questions and make observations to compare your child’s development with typical expectations for their age.

Developmental evaluation

• If screening raises concerns, specialists may conduct a more detailed evaluation, which may result in an ASD diagnosis.

The benefits of an autism assessment

Early diagnosis helps children receive support during critical stages of brain development, building communication and social skills, encouraging independence and strengthening coping abilities so they can reach their full potential. Screening ensures your child receives tools and guidance tailored to how they learn best.

An evaluation also provides clarity many families seek. It helps parents understand a child’s strengths and challenges, reduce self-blame, work more effectively with schools and access appropriate therapies and educational support. For older children and adults, an autism diagnosis can offer an understanding and explanation for lifelong challenges.

Diagnosing ASD in teens and adults

While autism can often be identified in toddlers, some individuals are not formally diagnosed. As children grow, they may learn to socially adapt in ways that mask autistic traits, imitating others, following conversational “scripts” or pushing through sensory discomfort without understanding why they feel overwhelmed.

As life becomes more complex, these coping strategies can be harder to sustain. Undiagnosed teens and adults may struggle with friendships, interpreting social cues or figurative language and may feel exhausted after social interactions. They may prefer routines, experience sensory sensitivities, have difficulty with organization and long-term tasks or also experience anxiety, depression or ADHD.

Getting your child screened for autism

If you find yourself wondering whether your child might benefit from an autism screening, that curiosity alone is a good reason to start a conversation with their pediatric provider. There is no harm in asking questions, and screening can help you learn more about how your child experiences the world – and how best to support them.

The Florida Department of Health lists several community organizations that offer parents and caregivers resources and support.

For more information on resources provided by Healthy Humans Hendry-Glades please visit  HealthierHendryGlades.org.