Before diagnosis

Wondering if it's autism

You've noticed something — a screening flagged it, a teacher raised a concern, or your own instinct has been telling you. Even before an official evaluation, there are clear practical steps you can take today.

The 30-second version

  • Talk to your pediatrician and describe specific behaviors you've observed — not a diagnosis request, just what you're seeing.
  • School districts must evaluate children age 3+ for free under IDEA — this is separate from a medical evaluation.
  • Early Intervention serves children under 3 with no referral or diagnosis required.
  • You don't need a diagnosis to request school supports — a documented educational need is enough.

What to observe and write down

Before any appointment, spend a few days writing down specific things you notice — not a diagnosis, just observations. Evaluators work from behavior descriptions, not impressions.

  • Does not respond to their name by 12 months
  • Has not said single words by 16 months or two-word phrases by 24 months
  • Lost language or social skills at any age
  • Avoids eye contact consistently
  • Very strong reactions to sensory input (sounds, textures, lights)
  • Plays with toys in repetitive or unusual ways

Two evaluation paths: medical and school

A medical diagnosis comes from a psychologist or developmental pediatrician using standardized tools. You pursue this through your pediatrician's referral — there may be a wait of months.

A school evaluation is separate. Under IDEA, any child aged 3+ can be evaluated by their school district for free, within a defined timeline (typically 60 days from your written request). The school evaluation determines educational eligibility and can unlock an IEP — even while you wait for a medical appointment.

You can — and often should — pursue both at the same time.

If your child is under 3: Early Intervention

Early Intervention (EI) provides free evaluations and services — speech therapy, occupational therapy, developmental therapy — to children birth through age 2 with a developmental delay.

No referral and no diagnosis is required. Call your state's EI program directly. The 60-day evaluation clock starts from your referral date. Because services end at age 3, earlier is better.

Your action checklist

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Who helps with this?

The system

Your state

Your state's Early Intervention agency (under 3) or school district (3+) can evaluate at no cost.

Add your location above to see state-specific resources.

The people

Your area

Pediatricians and developmental specialists in your community.

Set your county to see local help.

Primary sources