Like any good parent, you know your child well and have undoubtedly worried about their health and safety, among a myriad of other things — are they sleeping right, are they eating enough, are they getting too much screen time or enough social interaction, etc. There is a lot to be said about the development of a child’s mind and behaviors, and parents may notice concerns crop up at any age. It is easy to overthink certain things, while other parents tend to ignore subtle signs that something may be off. We are here to assure you that if your child falls on the autism spectrum, they have unlimited potential, there’s nothing you did or didn’t do to cause it, and you’ve got a host of resources and options available.
The autism spectrum isn’t entirely linear because Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is incredibly complex. ASD is a neurobiological condition that is characterized by difficulty communicating verbally, relating socially to others, and a need to engage in repetitive behaviors. No two autistic children will present the same way and some behaviors are completely normal while others may indicate something more sinister. Early signs of autism may be clearly obvious in one child and absent in another. Likewise, it may be difficult for some people to notice more subtle signs, while others may be hypersensitive to the slightest pseudo symptom. This self-test will help you gain a better idea of whether your observations are cause for concern or normal behaviors that you just may not have been expecting. The higher the score on this self-test, the more appropriate evaluation by a professional trained in ASD diagnosis is.
To take this self-test, simply think about the questions and answer using the scale provided. When assessing some of the questions, you’ll have to consider if the behaviors have been taught or not. For instance, when a question asks about eye contact, this is a biological response, not taught, whereas, if the question asks about manners, these are taught. If you are unsure of an answer or it is not age-appropriate for your child, it’s okay to skip it. This is not a concrete diagnostic tool, rather a self-test based on clinical tests to help parents assess the necessity for a professional assessment. There is no right or wrong answer.
When you smile at your child, do they smile back?
- Very often
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
Does your child understand and use polite behavior when interacting with others — sharing, “please,” “thank you,” etc.?
5. Very often
4. Often
3. Sometimes
2. Rarely
1. Never
Does (s)he join in playing games with other children?
- Very often
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
Have you ever wondered if your child may be hard of hearing or deaf?
5. Yes
1. No
Does (s)he play pretend or make-believe?
- Very often
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
Can your child keep a two-way conversation going?
- Very often
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
Does your child seem overly sensitive to noise (plugging ears, etc.)?
5. Very often
4. Often
3. Sometimes
2. Rarely
1. Never
Does your child bring objects to show you or ask you to look when they do something?
- Very often
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
Does your child imitate you with facial expressions, movements, or sounds?
- Very often
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
Does your child walk? (skip this question if your child is younger than 18 months or has a physical limitation that would skew this answer)
- Yes
- No
Does your child make unusual finger movements near his/her eyes (wagging finger near eyes)?
5. Yes
1. No
Does your child sometimes stare at nothing or wander with no purpose?
1. Very often
2. Often
3. Sometimes
4. Rarely
5. Never
Does your child look at you to check your reaction when faced with something unfamiliar (sounds, people, etc.)?
- Very often
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
Does your child appear to notice unusual details that others miss?
5. Very often
4. Often
3. Sometimes
2. Rarely
1. Never
Does your child look you in the eyes when you are playing, talking to, or changing them?
- Very often
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
Is your child speaking at the same level as his/her peers?
- Yes
- No
Does your child enjoy movement activities (being rocked, swung, bounced on a knee, etc.)?
- Very often
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
Does your child walk on their toes?
. 5. Very often
4. Often
3. Sometimes
2. Rarely
1. Never
Does your child enjoy sports or physical activities?
- Very often
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
Does your child use their finger to point at objects they are interested in?
- Very often
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
If you point, does your child look in the direction of your point?
- Very often
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
Does your child enjoy peek-a-boo or hide-n-seek?
- Very often
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
Can your child be described as “particular” (eg. likes toys in a specific place or order, needs strict routine, prefers specific fabric, etc.)
- Yes
- No
Does your child prefer tight clothing and/or being wrapped up even when it’s not cold?
- Yes
- No
The maximum score on this self-test is 114 and the minimum is 24 (if you answered all of the questions). If your child scored more than a 60, you may consider having a discussion with your pediatrician about your specific concerns.
Autistic or not, it is important to remember that developmental scales and “normal” milestones are simply guidelines and are not hard-fast rules. If your child seems to be behind, it is important to remember that all kids develop on their own timeline and there are many factors that influence development including biology, the need to perform certain tasks, and exposure to peers. For instance, a child who spends the majority of their time at home with a parent may not hit certain milestones as quickly as a child who has been in daycare since infancy. And, that’s okay. There is no need to rush your child, but it is important to be aware of the warning signs of ASD because early intervention will help your child reach their full potential, and the sky’s the limit!
For more information, visit our online parent resources. Contact your pediatrician with any concerns. If your child is referred for any ASD treatment services, you can find a qualified ABA therapist at SkyCare. Our personalized developmental ABA services are available to meet your child’s unique needs and help offer you the support and guidance you need to offer your child the best life.