BACB ACE Provider · OP-14-2437• Founded 2010• 32,000+ customers• 140+ countries• V-CAT Consultation
Store Sign in ES

Autism Early Screening Checklist

37 research-based questions. Immediate results. Completely private.

Concerned About Your Child's Development?

This free screening checklist helps parents and caregivers identify behaviors commonly associated with autism spectrum disorder. It is not a diagnosis, but it can help you understand whether to seek a professional evaluation.

  • 37 research-based questions developed with clinical experts
  • Takes approximately 10 minutes to complete
  • Results are immediate and completely private
  • Used by over 1,030 families worldwide
  • No cost
Start the Free Screening

The Screening Checklist

Answer Yes or No for each statement, thinking about your child compared to other children of a similar age. Your answers stay in your browser — nothing is sent anywhere unless you choose to.

1. My child shows behaviors that are odd or don't seem to have any real purpose (e.g., flapping hands, spinning in circles, walking on toes).
2. My child lines up toys and other objects.
3. My child has lost skills, such as speech skills, that he/she was able to perform before.
4. When compared to children of a similar age, my child does not use gestures such as pointing at something or waving good-bye.
5. My child does not seem to want my attention.
6. My child repeats or 'echoes' what he/she has just heard from other people.
7. My child has almost no friends.
8. My child doesn't want to share his/her interests with others.
9. My child usually doesn't bring me things that interest him/her such as a toy or a book.
10. My child's speech is delayed and he/she does not communicate by gesturing (pointing).
11. My child cannot start or hold a conversation with others.
12. My child will only wear certain types of fabric or clothing.
13. My child is highly interested in characters or TV shows that are for much younger children.
14. My child usually ignores me when I call for him/her.
15. My child's facial expressions do not change much.
16. My child does not seem to care about hygiene as much as other children.
17. My child often uses odd words that he/she seems to have made up.
18. My child does not feel physical pain that most children would feel.
19. My child plays with only a few toys.
20. Compared to other children of his/her age, my child's play is not very imaginative.
21. My child seems much too interested in only a few things (e.g., trains).
22. It doesn't bother my child to spend a lot of time alone.
23. People have said before that I should get my child tested for autism.
24. My child has a history of autism in his/her family (e.g., a parent, grandparent, sibling, uncle, aunt).
25. Making eye contact with people is very difficult for my child.
26. My child spends much time alone during recess or after school hours.
27. My child is interested in things that are considered unusual or strange, such as light switches or toilets.
28. Even minor changes in schedules or plans cause my child to have outbursts.
29. Loud noises really bother my child.
30. Other children try to play with my child, but my child usually does not want to play with them.
31. My child eats a very limited number of foods.
32. My child has a very rich and advanced vocabulary that is well beyond his/her peers.
33. My child wants to have friends, but doesn't seem to have the social skills necessary for relationships.
34. My child will talk a lot about a topic even if others are not interested.
35. My child repeats certain phrases over and over, such as repeating commercials or favorite movie scripts.
36. During meal times, my child refuses to eat or has severe tantrums.
37. My child will eat only foods with certain textures (e.g., only crunchy foods).

Your Results

Your score is: of 37

— bring them to your child's doctor.

Free next step: The ABCs of Autism

A parent's plain-language guide to what comes after screening — normally $9.99, free for families who take this checklist.

We'll only use your email for Special Learning resources. Your checklist answers are not sent — only your score band.

You're in. Claim your free copy now:

Get The ABCs of Autism free

Want to go deeper?

Our Intro to ABA: Level 1 — Basic Training course teaches parents and caregivers the evidence-based fundamentals used in autism intervention — $199, self-paced.

Explore the Level 1 course

What Happens After the Screening?

If the results suggest your child may benefit from a professional evaluation, here are your next steps:

Ask about V-CAT

Questions about V-CAT? Contact Special Learning to ask about available service options for your location.

Parent Resources

Free tools, visual schedules, social stories, and training designed for families.

Questions about this screening checklist

No. These results do not necessarily mean that your child has autism. This test is a screening device, and a diagnosis of autism can only be established through a comprehensive assessment conducted by a trained professional.

The checklist has 37 research-based yes/no questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete. Results are shown immediately.

Scoring happens entirely in your browser, and your individual answers — which items you marked yes — are never transmitted anywhere. If you choose to enter your email for follow-up resources, your email and your total score are sent to us so we can send you resources that match where you are. If you do not enter an email, nothing leaves your device.

A score of 5 or fewer endorsed items indicates a low number of behaviors commonly associated with an autism spectrum disorder; 6 to 12 a moderate number; 13 or more a high number. Any result you are concerned about should be shared with your child's doctor, school psychologist, or a professional trained in autism disorders.