Children develop at their own pace, so it can be difficult to tell exactly when a child will learn a particular skill. But, there are age-specific developmental milestones used to measure a child’s social and emotional progress in the first few years of life. To learn more about developmental milestones, visit " Learn the Signs. Act Early ," a campaign designed by CDC and a coalition of partners to teach parents, health care professionals, and child care providers about early childhood development, including possible "red flags" for autism spectrum disorders. If you have concerns, here are some steps you can take: Talk to your doctor: Ask for a screening for an autism spectrum disorder. A screening usually means answering about 20 questions that the doctor or staff will ask about your child’s development. More complete diagnostic testing may be needed later. If your child is birth-3 years old, contact your local First Steps program by calling 317
Formerly Family Voices IN/About Special Kids. We provide answers and resources to families and professionals who are involved in the upbringing of children with complex medical conditions, mental health diagnoses and physical/intellectual disabilities.