ASD can sometimes be detected at 18 months or younger. By age 2, a diagnosis by an experienced professional can be considered very reliable.^[1] However, many children do not receive a final diagnosis until much older. This delay means that children with an ASD might not get the help they need.

Diagnosing an ASD takes two steps:

• Developmental Screening
• Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation

All children should be screened for developmental delays and disabilities during regular well-child doctor visits at:

• 9 months
• 18 months
• 24 or 30 months
• Additional screening might be needed if a child is at high risk for developmental problems due to preterm birth, low birth weight or other reasons.

Read more at: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/screening.html