Getting a diagnosis

Signs, screening, who can assess, and how long it takes.

Sources on this page

The source chain stays visible.

Key claims are paired with their source, evidence tier, and verification date so readers can inspect the public record directly.

Facts 3
Sources 3

Evidence supports autism screening and intervention commencing in the first 2 years of life — earlier identification directly enables earlier intervention during the highest neural plasticity window

Primary source Zwaigenbaum L, Bauman ML, Stone WL, et al. (2015) Verified 2015-10-01

1 in 50

According to the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth, about 1 in 50 children and youth aged 1 to 17 in Canada had an autism diagnosis

Primary source Public Health Agency of Canada (2024) Verified 2024-03-26

WHO recommends accessible, community-based early interventions for children with autism. Timely evidence-based psychosocial interventions improve communication and social engagement

Primary source World Health Organization (2025) Verified 2025-09-17
Open complete source list(3)
Last system verification: 2026-11-03. Next scheduled update: 2027-02-01.

About this page

Check the author’s context, review method, and how to report an error.

Written by Spencer Carroll

Founder & Autism Advocate

Lived experience: Parent of autistic child in the OAP system