Signs of Autism in Children
At what age is autism diagnosed?
The age at which autism is recognized can vary from child to child. Some children show early signs within the first 12 months of life. For others, signs may become more noticeable between 18 and 24 months, or even later.
In some cases, a child may appear to develop typically at first—learning new words or social skills—then stop gaining new skills or lose skills they previously had. This is sometimes called regression. If a child loses words, eye contact, or social engagement, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
In the United States, pediatric experts recommend developmental screenings during regular well-child visits, including autism-specific screening at 18 and 24 months. Research shows that by age 2, an evaluation by an experienced professional can provide a reliable diagnosis.
In the Philippines, routine developmental screening may not always be automatically offered, especially outside major cities. Parents and caregivers may need to actively ask their pediatrician or local health provider about developmental concerns. Early awareness is key—if something feels different, trust your instincts and seek guidance.
If you have concerns about your child’s development
Learn the signs. In addition, take the M-CHAT-R screening questionnaire. The M-CHAT-R™ (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised) can help you determine if a professional should evaluate your child. This simple online autism screening questionnaire, available in English or Tagalog, takes only a couple minutes to complete. If the answers suggest your child has a high probability for autism, please consult with your child’s doctor.