Every child has their own rhythm when it comes to growing and learning. One child may start talking early, while another communicates through gestures or expressions. Some jump right into play with others, while some take their time observing and getting comfortable. These variations are a normal part of development, and they’re often nothing to worry about.
Many families in Schertz, Cibolo, Selma, and surrounding communities have the same questions as their children learn and grow. The good news is that there are simple, research-based screening tools that can help bring clarity and confidence to your next steps.
At Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education, we offer free developmental autism screenings that you can complete at home, in just a few minutes. These tools are designed to help you understand whether additional evaluation or support may be helpful.
Understanding Developmental Differences vs. Delays
It’s natural for children to develop at different speeds. However, when certain skills appear to develop more slowly or don’t seem to be progressing over time, that may be a sign that additional support could be helpful. Pediatricians often look for general communication and social milestones, such as:
- Around 12 months: using gestures like pointing, waving, or reaching toward things they want
- Around 16 months: using single words consistently to communicate
- Around 24 months: combining words (like “more juice” or “go outside”)
- Across the toddler years: showing shared attention (for example, pointing at something and then looking back to see if you’re looking, too)
If your child hasn’t yet reached some of these milestones, or if their progress seems slower or more limited, a developmental screening can help you learn whether additional support or evaluation may be beneficial.
Screening does not diagnose autism or any developmental condition, it simply helps you understand whether there are patterns worth exploring further.
Early Childhood Developmental Signs to Pay Attention To
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) does not look the same for every child. However, some early developmental differences may suggest that learning more could be helpful. These might include limited or delayed speech, not consistently responding to their name, preferring to play alone rather than with others, or showing less eye contact or shared play. Some children may repeat movements like hand-flapping, become upset when routines change, or show strong preferences for certain toys, textures, or environments.
Seeing any of these traits does not mean your child has autism. It simply suggests that a screening might provide clarity and reassurance.
Why Developmental Screening Matters
Early screening helps families understand their child’s development sooner and opens the door to supportive strategies at home, school, and in the community. And if everything looks typical? You gain peace of mind.
Free Online Developmental Screening Tools You Can Take at Home
You can begin right now:
M-CHAT-R (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers)
Best for ages 16–30 months
A quick, parent-friendly checklist that helps identify early communication and social interaction patterns.
Take the M-CHAT-R
CAST (Childhood Autism Spectrum Test)
Best for ages 4-11 years
Helps reflect on social play, communication, and learning differences in preschool and early school-age children.
Take the CAST
Again, it’s important to note that these tools do not diagnose autism. They simply help determine whether a deeper evaluation may be beneficial.
How Cultivate Supports Families in Schertz
Whether you live near I-35, Northeast Lakeview, Cibolo Valley Drive, or are a Randolph AFB family navigating new systems, you can start the process from home with our free screening tools.
Once your screening is completed and indicates a high likelihood of ASD, a member of our team will reach out to talk through results. If a formal developmental evaluation is recommended, we can help you connect with a trusted diagnostician — including virtual evaluation options to reduce long wait times.
We’ll help you map out next steps that support your child’s needs. This may include ABA therapy, local speech or occupational therapy provider options, early childhood resources, and other community resources.
If you have questions about and ASD diagnosis, or want to learn more about the benefits of ABA therapy in Schertz, give us a call at 855-444-5664. Contact us today to get connected with one of our dedicated team members. We are here to help guide you every step of the way!
