Maybe it was a comment at a playdate, a question from your child’s teacher, or just a quiet feeling you couldn’t shake. Your little one isn’t pointing at the airplanes the way their cousin does. Or they line up their toys just so and get very upset when the order changes. Or they don’t seem to turn when you call their name.
If you’ve found yourself searching “autism testing near me” late at night, please know that you’re not alone, and that asking questions is a loving, proactive step. This post walks through what an autism screening is, how it differs from a diagnosis, signs worth paying attention to, and what to do next.
What Is Autism?
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) describes autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. Autism can be diagnosed at any age. It’s called a “developmental” disorder because symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life.
Every child is an individual, with their own strengths, challenges, and personality. The CDC notes that people with autism may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention.
Screening vs. Diagnosis: What’s the Difference?
This is one of the most common points of confusion for parents, so it’s worth slowing down.
A Screening Is a First Look
According to the CDC, screening tools are designed to help identify children who might have developmental delays, and a positive result should be followed by a more thorough assessment. As our autism screening page explains, there are no medical tests for screening autism, so most screening procedures are based on observations. The tools may be a questionnaire given to parents or exchanges between the child and a therapist. Basic screening can take as little as five minutes, though it can take longer if more in-depth tests are conducted. Both the CDC and our service page are clear on this point: screening tools do not give a diagnosis.
A Diagnosis Comes From a Thorough Evaluation
A screening result is not a diagnosis and is not a label. The service described on our autism screening page is screening. If a screening raises concerns, the CDC says the next step should be a more thorough assessment. Your child’s doctor can talk with you about what that might involve.
When Do Doctors Recommend Autism Screening?
The CDC reports that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends:
- Developmental screening for all children during regular well-child visits at 9, 18, and 30 months.
- Autism-specific screening for all children at their 18- and 24-month well-child visits.
According to the CDC, additional screening might be needed if a child is at higher risk, such as having a sibling with autism, or if symptoms are present.
Early Signs Parents Sometimes Notice
The CDC lists a number of signs that can be related to autism. A few examples include a child who:
- Avoids or does not keep eye contact
- Does not respond to their name by 9 months of age
- Uses few or no gestures, such as waving goodbye, by 12 months
- Does not point to show you something interesting by 18 months
- Lines up toys or objects and gets upset when the order is changed
- Repeats words or phrases over and over
- Gets upset by minor changes or must follow certain routines
- Has unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel
It’s important to keep this list in perspective. The CDC also notes that some children without autism show some of these behaviors, and that children with autism may not show all, or any, of the examples listed. A checklist can’t tell you whether your child is autistic. It can help you put words to what you’re seeing so you can talk it through with a professional.
What to Do If You Have Concerns
Trust Your Instincts and Write Things Down
You know your child better than anyone. The CDC notes that research shows parents are reliable sources of information about their children’s development. Some parents find it helpful to jot down what they notice, when it happens, and any questions they have, and to bring those notes to their child’s doctor.
Talk With Your Child’s Doctor
The CDC encourages parents to contact their child’s doctor if they have any concerns about their child’s development.
Know About Texas ECI (Birth to 3)
For children under 3, Texas Health and Human Services runs Early Childhood Intervention (ECI), a statewide program for families with children from birth to 36 months who have developmental delays, disabilities, or certain medical diagnoses. According to Texas HHS, ECI evaluations and assessments are provided at no cost to families, and no family is turned away because of an inability to pay. Texas HHS also notes that children 3 or older may be eligible for services from their local school district.
Consider a Professional Screening
Here at New Horizons Center for Healing, we offer professional autism screening in a family-friendly setting. We will personally screen your child and walk you through the process, explaining what each stage tells us about your child’s development. Like all screening, this is not a diagnosis. We also offer psychological testing services and play therapy, which allows the natural language of a child’s play to communicate their emotions to a trained therapist. Our office staff can answer questions about any of these services.
Caring for Yourself Along the Way
Waiting for answers about your child can stir up worry, guilt, or even grief, sometimes all in the same afternoon. These feelings are completely normal. Lean on your partner, family, friends, or other parents who have walked a similar road. Remember that taking care of your own well-being helps you show up for your child.
Whatever you learn, your child is still the same wonderful kid they were yesterday. Information is simply a tool to help you support them in the ways they need.
Taking the First Step
If you’ve noticed something that’s on your mind, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Here at New Horizons Center for Healing, right here in McKinney, Texas, we’re glad to answer your questions and walk you through what our autism screening involves. Reach out to us today to learn more.
This article is for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a counselor-client or other provider relationship with New Horizons Center for Healing. A screening is not a diagnosis. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911. If you are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Sources
- National Institute of Mental Health. Autism Spectrum Disorder. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Clinical Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorder. https://www.cdc.gov/autism/hcp/diagnosis/screening.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Signs and Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder. https://www.cdc.gov/autism/signs-symptoms/index.html
- Texas Health and Human Services. Early Childhood Intervention Services. https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/early-childhood-intervention-services
