How do experts screen children for autism spectrum disorders? My child seems to be showing signs of autism. He doesn't make eye contact, and he's late on many developmental milestones. I want to take the next step to be sure he's getting the help he needs.
- The Checklist of Autism in Toddlers (CHAT)
- The modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT)
- The Screening Tool for Autism in Two-Year-Olds (STAT)
- the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ, for children 4 years of age and older)
If screenings show indicators of autism, the practitioner may then move on to the next steps: ruling out other disorders and diagnosing autism.
Sourcess:
arly Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Jennifer Pinto-Martin, PhD and Susan E. Levy, MD. Current Treatment Options in Neurology 2004, 6:391-400.
American Academy of Pediatrics: The pediatrician's role in the diagnosis and management of autistic spectrum disorder in children. Pediatrics 2001 May;107(5):1221-6.
National Institute of Mental Health, Autism Spectrum Disorders (Pervasive Developmental Disorders)
A detailed booklet that describes symptoms, causes, and treatments, with information on getting help and coping. 2004.

