Pediatricians at Airline Children & Women’s Health Center follow American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines and screen every child for autism starting at 18 months. Find out what the screening involves, when a diagnosis can be made, and how our team supports families every step of the way.
When you bring your child to a well check exam, the doctor does more than check their height and weight. They also watch how your child grows and learns. One thing they look for is signs of autism.
At Airline Children & Women’s Health Center, our doctors are here to help you. We watch your child’s development, answer your questions, and connect your family with the right help when you need it.
What is autism?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition that affects how a person talks, connects with others, and experiences the world. Every child with autism is different — that’s why it’s called a “spectrum.” Some children may need a little extra help, while others may need more support.
Common signs include delays in talking, not making eye contact, doing the same actions over and over, or having a hard time with social situations.
Autism can affect any child in any family. Finding it early is important. Children who get help early tend to do better over time.
How do pediatricians check for autism?
Your child’s doctor may start looking for signs of autism at their very first well check exam. They watch things like: Does your baby smile back at you? Do they look when you point at something? Do they respond when you say their name?
Doctors use these observations along with your family history and your own concerns to help spot possible signs of autism.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children be screened for autism at their 18-month and 24-month well check exams.
At those visits, parents fill out a short questionnaire about their child’s development. It takes about five minutes and asks simple questions like: “When you smile at your child, do they smile back?” or “If you point to something across the room, does your child look at it?” This helps doctors start conversations about speech delays, behavior, or whether more testing might be helpful.
Signs of autism can sometimes be seen as early as 18 months. If there are concerns after the screening, your child’s pediatrician will talk with you and may refer you to a specialist for more testing. For more information about how doctors screen for autism, visit HealthyChildren.org.
Trust what you know about your child
You know your child better than anyone. If something feels off — because of family history, the way your child talks or acts, or something someone else said — trust your instincts. Don’t wait to bring it up with your doctor.
Before your next visit, check out our developmental milestones by age to see how your child is growing and learning. It’s a great way to get ready for your next appointment.
Your partner in your child’s health
At Airline Children & Women’s Health Center, our pediatricians believe that the best care happens when doctors and families work together. We are always here to listen, answer your questions, and help you understand your child’s development. Whether you have a concern after a screening or just want to talk about how your child is doing, you never have to figure it out alone.
If your child needs extra support, we will connect you with the right specialists and guide your family every step of the way.
We are proud to serve families in the Houston area. Every child deserves the right support as early as possible.
Ready to make an appointment?
Do you have questions about your child’s development?
We’d love to help. New patients are always welcome and we are proud to serve Spanish-speaking families.
Afternoon and evening appointments are available.
Annual event for autism awareness and understanding
Each April, we are proud to host a free Autism Awareness Month event at Airline Children & Women’s Health Center, bringing together local experts and families to learn and connect.
Events and programming like this are so important for our community.”
— Pastor Deb Bonario-Martin, Mission of Zion and Northside / Northline Superneighborhood
Our thanks to these local community partners who joined us and generously shared their expertise with Houston families at the 2026 event.
- Dr. Melisa Rosario, Ed.D., BCBA — The Arc of Harris County “How to Help Families Speak Up for Their Child”
- Dr. Mayra Corona Moreno, M.D., BCBA, LBA — Beautiful Minds ABA “Managing Behavior Using ABA Methods”
- Elvia Navarro, Family Liaison Advocate — Aldine ISD (Hinojosa and Vardeman Schools) “How Schools Can Help with Referrals”