When Should You Get Tested for Autism?
There is no wrong time to seek an autism assessment. For children, early signs can appear from 12 to 18 months, and formal diagnosis is possible from around age 2. For adults, a growing number are being assessed in their 20s, 30s, and beyond after recognising traits that were previously overlooked or misattributed to other conditions.
When to Seek Assessment for a Child
Consider speaking to your GP or health visitor if your child consistently shows any of the following:
- Does not respond to their name by 12 months
- Limited or no pointing, waving, or gesturing by 14 months
- No single words by 16 months or two-word phrases by 24 months
- Loss of previously acquired speech or social skills at any age
- Avoids eye contact or does not seem to notice other children
- Lines up toys or objects repeatedly rather than playing imaginatively
- Extreme distress with changes in routine or transitions
- Unusual sensitivity to sounds, textures, lights, or smells
For a full breakdown by age group, see signs of autism in children.
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When to Seek Assessment as an Adult
Consider assessment if you experience a persistent pattern of:
- Feeling fundamentally different from peers throughout your life
- Exhaustion from social situations that others find easy
- Sensory sensitivities that affect daily functioning
- Difficulty with unwritten social rules or reading between the lines
- Intense, focused interests that feel different from typical hobbies
- Anxiety or depression that hasn't responded to standard treatment
- Burnout that feels qualitatively different from general stress
Read more about signs of autism in adults or the UK diagnosis process.
Why Early Identification Matters
For children, early identification allows families to access speech therapy, occupational therapy, and school accommodations during critical developmental windows. Research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry consistently shows that earlier intervention leads to better outcomes in communication, social skills, and adaptive behaviour.
For adults, diagnosis provides a framework for self-understanding, access to workplace accommodations under the Equality Act 2010, and neurodiversity-informed mental health support. Many late-diagnosed adults describe diagnosis as a turning point.
How AskSheldon Helps
AskSheldon offers free screening tools for autism and ADHD that can help you decide whether to pursue a formal assessment. Chat with Sheldon to discuss your concerns, or browse the parent's guide to diagnosis for a step-by-step walkthrough of the assessment process.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I get my child tested for autism?
If you notice persistent differences in social communication, repetitive behaviours, or sensory sensitivities that affect your child's daily life, speak to your GP or health visitor. There is no minimum age for referral. Early signs can be observed from 12-18 months, and formal diagnosis is possible from age 2.
Can autism be diagnosed before age 2?
Reliable diagnosis is possible from around 18-24 months in some cases, particularly when signs are pronounced. However, many children are not diagnosed until ages 4-5 or later, especially if traits are subtle or the child is masking.
What if my child is developing normally but something feels off?
Trust your instincts. Parents are often the first to notice subtle differences. A feeling that something is different is a valid reason to seek an assessment. You do not need to prove a problem; you just need to describe what you are observing.
Should adults get tested for autism?
If you have experienced lifelong differences in social communication, sensory processing, or executive function, an assessment may be worthwhile regardless of your age. Many adults are diagnosed in their 30s, 40s, and beyond. A diagnosis can provide self-understanding, access to support, and workplace accommodations.
Does early diagnosis make a difference?
Research consistently shows that earlier identification leads to better outcomes. Early support helps children develop communication skills, manage sensory needs, and build social confidence. It also helps families understand their child's needs and access appropriate services.
Last updated: March 2026
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