FAQ: At what age does autism start?

A: Autism is a developmental disorder that typically appears in early childhood. While some children show signs of autism within the first 12 months of life, others may not display noticeable symptoms until 24 months or later. In some cases, children may develop normally until around 18 to 24 months and then stop gaining new skills or lose previously acquired skills.

The American Academy of Paediatrics recommends screening all children for autism at 18 and 24 months during regular well-child visits. However, autism can be reliably diagnosed by an experienced professional as early as age 2.