The short answer
Developmental monitoring, a standardized screening tool, and a diagnostic evaluation are different steps. In the US, the AAP recommends autism-specific screening at 18 and 24 months and general developmental screening at 9, 18, and 30 months. In England, a universal health and development review is offered at 24–30 months; this is not the same as a UK-wide autism-specific screening schedule. Raise concerns at any time.
In this guide · 12 sections
Keep in mind
- Screening looks for whether more assessment may be useful; it does not diagnose autism.
- The US AAP schedule and England’s 24–30 month universal review are different pathways.
- Parents can raise concerns at any time, and skill loss warrants prompt discussion.
What may be discussed at a 24-month check?
A developmental conversation can cover communication, movement, play, behavior, relationships, health, and everyday participation.
The exact visit and available tools depend on where you live and your health service. In England, the universal 24–30 month review considers development, communication, social development, and self-care.
Bring questions and examples of what your child does at home or childcare. You can raise a concern before a scheduled review.
What is developmental monitoring?
Monitoring, sometimes called developmental surveillance, means noticing a child’s development over time and discussing observations with caregivers.
It includes listening to family concerns, observing skills, reviewing history, and considering how a child communicates and participates in everyday settings.
Monitoring is ongoing and does not replace a validated screening tool when one is indicated.
What is standardized developmental screening?
A standardized screening tool asks consistent questions or uses structured tasks to identify whether a child may benefit from a fuller assessment.
A positive screen is not a diagnosis. It points to a need for discussion, follow-up, or further evaluation; a clinician interprets it in context.
In England, developmental tools may support the 24–30 month review, embedded within a wider professional assessment rather than used alone.
What is autism-specific screening?
In the US, the AAP recommends autism-specific screening at 18 and 24 months and general developmental screening at 9, 18, and 30 months. Raise concerns with your child’s clinician at any visit.
A screening result is not a diagnosis. Ask what further evaluation or early-intervention support may be appropriate if concerns remain.
CDC milestone checklists support monitoring but are not a substitute for standardized, validated developmental screening tools.
What happens after a positive screen?
A clinician may discuss the result, review your child’s development, and arrange a more detailed evaluation or referrals based on the child’s needs.
A screening result is one part of a process. Ask what the next step is, who will contact you, and what support is available while you wait.
In the US, families can ask about local early-intervention services. In the UK, ask your GP, health visitor, or local team about assessment and support pathways.
Does a negative screen end every concern?
No screening tool captures every child or every concern. Continue to raise questions if something about development worries you.
Share examples from different settings and mention any changes over time. A clinician can consider whether another assessment or follow-up is appropriate.
Trust your observations and ask what to do next. A reassuring result should not prevent a conversation about a persistent concern.
Is the CDC milestone checklist a screening test?
No. The CDC says its milestone checklists are not a substitute for standardized, validated developmental screening tools.
The age-2 checklist can help families notice skills such as saying at least two words together and kicking a ball, then discuss questions with a clinician.
Use it as a conversation aid, not as a diagnosis or a reason to delay seeking advice.
Why does loss of skills matter?
If a child stops using a skill they previously had, tell a health professional promptly. Note what changed and when you first noticed it.
Skill loss can have different explanations and needs an individual assessment. A checklist cannot determine the cause.
If there is a sudden serious change, such as new weakness, seizure, or reduced awareness, seek urgent medical care.
What can you do today?
Write down your questions and a few examples of your child’s communication, play, movement, and daily skills.
Contact your GP, pediatric clinician, or health visitor if you have a concern; do not wait for the next routine review.
Ask which screening or assessment pathway applies where you live and what follow-up will look like.
If your child has lost skills, make that clear when you contact the health professional.
When to seek support
Some signs need emergency help; other concerns can be discussed with your child’s healthcare team.
- If your child loses a previously acquired skill, contact a health professional promptly.
- A developmental checklist is not a diagnostic or standardized screening tool.
Sources used for this guide
English editorial review:
The English text and regional guidance have been checked editorially. This is not an individual clinical assessment.
Luluna provides general parenting information. It does not diagnose conditions or replace your child’s healthcare professional.
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