Autism impacts an individual throughout the lifespan.  However, research shows that early diagnosis can lead to improved quality of life.  The behaviors of Autism may be apparent in infancy, but they usually become clearer during early childhood. (12-24 months) As a part of regular health visit, your child's doctor should perform developmental screenings focused on Autism.  This screening is recommended at ages 18-24 months for all children.  

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Your doctor will encourage you to ask specific questions about your child’s developmental progress. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) developed a detailed list of behaviors, listed in four categories: communication, social behavior, stereotyped behavior, and other behavior. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) developed a list of Signs and Symptoms, which can be found here.