Not pointing to share
By 18 months most toddlers point at planes, dogs and diggers just to show you. Pointing only to ask for things — or not pointing at all — is one of the strongest early signs.
18 months to 3 years · 100% free · Instant results
Free Autism Test for Toddlers
A gentle, research-informed autism screening for toddlers aged 18 months to 3 years. Sixteen questions about the early signs that matter most at this age — pointing, response to name, pretend play, routines and sensory reactions — with instant results and honest guidance on what to do next.
The toddler years are when autism screening is most useful: reliable early signs are visible from around 18 months, and early support makes the biggest difference of any age. This toddler autism test covers the same ground health professionals screen at the 18–30 month checks — it is a guide for your next conversation with a doctor, not a diagnosis.
Begin the 16-question screeningWhat to look for
Early signs of autism in toddlers
At this age, the clearest signals are about shared attention and communication — the invisible thread between you and your child. These are the behaviours this toddler autism quiz asks about.
Name doesn’t land
You call their name and they don’t look up — not from stubbornness, but as if the sound isn’t addressed to them. Hearing checks come first, but this is a core screening question.
Little pretend play
Feeding teddy, stirring an empty pot, driving a block like a car — pretend play usually blooms before age 2. Its absence, or play focused on lining up and sorting, stands out.
Toys used differently
Spinning the wheels rather than driving the car, watching doors swing, lining up animals in exact order — a fascination with parts, patterns and repetition over the toy’s "story".
Big reactions to small changes
A different cup, a detour on the walk, a coat zipped in the wrong order — tiny disruptions that trigger distress far beyond typical toddler frustration.
Lost words or skills
Around a quarter of autistic children lose language or social skills they once had, usually between 15 and 24 months. Any regression deserves a prompt conversation with your doctor.
Recognise several of these?
Take the free screeningTesting a toddler for autism — why 18 months to 3 matters
Between 18 and 30 months is the window when professional bodies recommend every toddler be screened for autism, because the key early signs — joint attention, pointing, response to name, pretend play — have reliably emerged in typical development by then. That is exactly the ground this free toddler autism test covers, in sixteen plain-language questions any parent can answer from everyday life.
Parents usually notice first, and they are usually right. Research consistently finds that parental concerns about a toddler’s social communication predict later diagnosis better than brief professional observations do — a toddler can behave very differently in a ten-minute appointment than they do across a normal week. This screening structures a week’s worth of your observations into a result you can hand to a professional.
If your toddler shows notable traits, ask your GP or health visitor about a developmental assessment referral now, not at the next routine check. Early intervention between 2 and 5 has the strongest evidence base of any autism support, and waiting lists mean the earlier you start the process, the earlier help arrives. While you wait, tracking behaviour patterns and building predictable visual routines — the Nomi app does both — is the most valuable thing you can do at home.
FAQ
Common questions
At what age can autism be detected?
Reliable behavioural signs are typically visible from around 12–18 months, and a formal diagnosis is possible from about age 2 — sometimes earlier. Many children, particularly those with subtler presentations, are not diagnosed until school age or later, which is why screening in the toddler window matters.
Is this toddler autism test the M-CHAT?
No. The M-CHAT-R/F is a specific validated instrument your doctor may use. This screening covers similar early-sign territory — pointing, response to name, pretend play, repetitive behaviour — in parent-friendly language, and is designed as a free preparatory guide, not a replacement for professional screening.
My toddler isn’t talking yet. Does that mean autism?
Not by itself. Late talking has many causes, including hearing issues and simple variation. What matters more for autism screening is non-verbal communication: pointing, gestures, shared eye contact and bringing things to show you. A toddler who communicates richly without words is in a very different position from one who rarely initiates connection.
Can a 2 year old pass this test and still be autistic?
Yes. Screening at this age catches many autistic children but not all — some children’s traits become visible only when social demands grow at nursery or school. If development seems to change, or your instinct persists, screen again in six months and share your concerns with your doctor either way.
What happens after a positive toddler screening?
Take the result to your GP, health visitor or paediatrician and ask about a developmental assessment. Bring concrete examples — videos of the behaviours you see are genuinely useful. Ask about early support services in parallel; in many areas you do not need to wait for a diagnosis to access speech therapy or early-years support.
Ready when you are
16 questions, 4–6 minutes, and a result you can actually act on. Free — including your results.
This screening is an informal guide, not a clinical diagnosis. Results are best reviewed with a GP, paediatrician or qualified clinician.