AUTISM SUPPORT & NAVIGATION
Concerned About Autism? You Don’t Have to Figure Out the Next Step Alone.
RESEARCH NOTE
CDC lists examples of developmental differences that may be noticed as early as 12–18 months, including limited gestures, reduced sharing of interests, and not pointing to show something interesting. CDC
Whether you are noticing differences in communication, play, behavior, sensory responses, or social interaction—or someone has suggested an autism evaluation—Student Solutions can help you understand what may come next.
We support families through developmental guidance, family training, service coordination, referrals, and case management across multiple stages of childhood.
Autism support for a child and caregiver in Upstate South Carolina.
Autism Is Common
1 in 31
CDC’s ADDM Network identified autism in about 1 in 31, or 3.2%, of 8-year-old children in 16 U.S. communities in 2022. Rates varied considerably by community, so this is a monitoring-network estimate rather than a single rate for every U.S. location.
What Is Autism?
CDC describes autism as involving differences in social communication and interaction together with restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. Sensory differences, learning, movement, and attention can also vary. CDC
Autism can look very different from one child to another. Some children may have noticeable communication delays, while others may speak well but still need support with social interaction, flexibility, sensory needs, or behavior regulation.
There is no single “look” for autism.
Characteristics Families May Notice
Communication & Social Interaction
- Limited or delayed words
- Difficulty using gestures or pointing
- Less back-and-forth interaction
- Differences in eye contact or social engagement
- Difficulty joining play with other children
Behavior, Sensory & Routines
- Repetitive movements or play
- Strong interest in certain objects or topics
- Difficulty with changes or transitions
- Unusual responses to sounds, textures, movement, or lights
- Big reactions when routines change
One characteristic by itself does not mean a child has autism. A screening or evaluation looks at patterns of development and behavior over time.
M-CHAT-R/F
Autism Screening for Toddlers
Designed for ages 16–30 months
What Is the M-CHAT-R/F?
The M-CHAT-R/F is a parent-completed autism screening tool for toddlers ages 16–30 months. It helps identify children who may benefit from further evaluation.
The American Academy of Pediatrics lists the M-CHAT-R/F as a commonly used autism screening tool for children ages 16–30 months.
When is autism screening usually done?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends autism-specific screening for all children at the 18-month and 24-month well-child visits. Screening may also be appropriate at other times when a parent, caregiver, or provider has developmental concerns.
The M-CHAT-R/F is a screening tool—not a diagnosis.
RESEARCH NOTE
In published screening data summarized by the AAP, the M-CHAT-R/F with follow-up showed sensitivity of about 91% and specificity of about 95% for low-risk children screened at 18 and 24 months.
Medical Diagnosis vs. Educational Identification
Medical Diagnosis
Made by an appropriately qualified healthcare or diagnostic provider. A medical diagnosis may help families access certain medical, therapeutic, insurance, or community services depending on eligibility.Educational Identification
Used by the school system to determine whether a student meets educational criteria for special education services. Educational eligibility focuses on how the disability affects learning and school participation.