Is Your Child Showing Signs of Autism? A Simple Screener for Parents
Autism presents differently in every child, and while some signs appear early, others become more noticeable as children grow. Recognizing these signs at any age can help your child access the right support and thrive in school, friendships, and daily life.
This screener is designed to help parents identify common early and later-emerging signs of autism across different ages. While this is not a diagnostic tool, it can help you decide whether seeking an evaluation is the right next step.
Autism Screener: Signs to Look For 📝
If you recognize multiple signs from the list below, consider speaking with a professional for further evaluation.
👶 Early Childhood (Toddlers & Preschoolers)
▫️ Limited or no response to their name by 12 months
▫️ Delayed or absent speech, or loss of words they previously used
▫️ Lack of interest in other children or playing pretend games
▫️ Repetitive behaviors like spinning, hand-flapping, or intense focus on objects
▫️ Strong resistance to changes in routine or transitions
🎒 Elementary School-Aged Children
▫️ Difficulty understanding social rules (e.g., taking turns, making eye contact)
▫️ Very literal thinking, struggles with sarcasm or figurative language
▫️ Narrow, intense interests (e.g., memorizing facts, specific topics)
▫️ Strong sensory preferences or aversions (e.g., hates certain fabrics, loud noises)
▫️ Difficulty with flexible thinking and problem-solving
📲 Teens & Adolescents
▫️ Struggles with making or maintaining friendships, preferring to "blend in"
▫️ Overwhelmed by unspoken social rules and shifting peer dynamics
▫️ Strong need for structure and predictability in daily life
▫️ Masking (hiding struggles by mimicking peers, often leading to exhaustion)
▫️ High anxiety in social situations or rigid thinking patterns
A Note on Screening Teen Girls 🩷
Many autistic girls go undiagnosed because their signs don’t always match traditional expectations of autism. They may be skilled at copying social behavior but struggle with deeper connections, burnout, or anxiety in social settings. If your teen daughter is constantly exhausted by social interactions, has strong special interests, or experiences sensory overload but has learned to hide it, she may benefit from a more in-depth evaluation.
👉 Stay tuned for a dedicated screener just for autistic teen girls!
What’s Next? Seeking an Evaluation
If several of these signs sound familiar, it may be time to explore a formal autism evaluation. Getting a diagnosis can open doors to valuable support, including therapy, school accommodations, and strategies tailored to your child’s needs.
At Orchid Academy, we understand that the process of seeking a diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. We can help guide you toward the right resources and next steps. Set up a free consultation today to learn more about where to start.
📖 Want to learn more about autism? Visit our page on understanding autism: https://www.orchidacademy.com/understanding-autism
