Free tool
Developmental milestone checker
Pick your child's age and check off what they're already doing. You'll get a plain list of anything not yet checked — the specific, concrete detail a doctor can actually act on.
This is not a screening or diagnostic test. It's the CDC's milestone checklist in a form you can work through and print. It cannot tell you whether your child is autistic — only an evaluation can do that. What it can do is help you describe what you're seeing.
If your child is between ages, choose the younger one. For babies born prematurely, use their adjusted age.
0 of 12 checked for 18 months
Social & emotional
Language & communication
Cognitive (learning, thinking, problem-solving)
Movement & physical development
What to do with this
Start by checking off what your child is already doing.
Your answers are saved on this device only. Nothing is uploaded to us or to anyone else.
How evaluations work →
What actually happens in an autism evaluation, and how to ask for one.
Early Intervention (under 3) →
You can request a free evaluation without a doctor's referral.
A few things worth knowing
Milestones describe most children, not all children. The CDC revised these in 2022 with the American Academy of Pediatrics to show what about 75% of children can do by each age. A child who hasn't reached one is not automatically delayed.
You don't need a doctor's referral to get evaluated. If your child is under 3, you can contact your state's Early Intervention program directly and request an evaluation — it's free and it's your right under federal law. If your child is 3 or older, you can make a written request to your school district.
Waiting rarely helps. “Let's wait and see” is common advice, and sometimes it's right. But evaluations take months to schedule, and early support works. Asking for an evaluation costs you a phone call; waiting can cost a year.
Trust what you're noticing. Parents are usually the first to sense something. If a checklist says everything is fine and your gut says otherwise, say so out loud to your pediatrician.
Milestone content adapted from the CDC's “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” program (public domain). Autism Parent Club is not a healthcare provider and does not diagnose. Always talk with your child's doctor about developmental concerns.