The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends autism-specific screening at which well-child visits?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends autism-specific screening at which well-child visits?

• A. 9 and 18 months
• B. 18 and 24 months
• C. 12 and 24 months
• D. 24 and 36 months

Answer: (B)

Autism-specific screening is recommended at 18- and 24-month well-child visits. The AAP and USPSTF endorse universal screening for autism during these two visits, using a validated tool such as the M-CHAT-R/F. This timing reflects when many autism signs become evident in toddlers and when early identification can lead to earlier diagnostic evaluation and access to early intervention services. Developmental surveillance is ongoing at all visits, but the formal autism screen is specifically scheduled for these two ages. Other pairings of ages don’t align with current guidelines for routine autism-specific screening. If a screen is positive, proceed with diagnostic evaluation.

Autism-specific screening is recommended at 18- and 24-month well-child visits. The AAP and USPSTF endorse universal screening for autism during these two visits, using a validated tool such as the M-CHAT-R/F. This timing reflects when many autism signs become evident in toddlers and when early identification can lead to earlier diagnostic evaluation and access to early intervention services. Developmental surveillance is ongoing at all visits, but the formal autism screen is specifically scheduled for these two ages. Other pairings of ages don’t align with current guidelines for routine autism-specific screening. If a screen is positive, proceed with diagnostic evaluation.