Every child develops in their own unique way. Some children begin talking early; others communicate through gestures or play. Some love new places and people, while others prefer familiar routines. These differences are all part of childhood, but it’s also natural for parents to notice patterns and start to wonder about development.
If you’ve recently questioned your child’s communication, social interactions, or behaviors, you are not alone. Many families in St. Charles and the surrounding Fox Valley communities are asking similar questions as they watch their children grow.
The good news is that you don’t have to navigate these questions by yourself. At Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education, we provide free developmental screening tools that can give clarity, direction, and peace of mind.
When to Consider Developmental Screening for Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) looks different for every child. There is no one-size-fits-all checklist, and noticing certain behaviors does not mean your child is on the autism spectrum. However, screening can help determine whether additional support or evaluation would be beneficial.
Here are some signs that can indicate a child may benefit from a developmental screening:
Communication & Social Interaction
- Limited words or gestures for their age
- Not responding to their name regularly
- Preferring to play alone
- Limited eye contact or shared play
- Not yet showing or pointing to share interests
Behavior & Learning Patterns
- Strong interest in routines or sameness
- Repetitive movements (such as hand-flapping or pacing)
- Sensitivity to sounds, textures, or lights
- Intense focus on specific toys or topics
Seeing these traits does not mean your child has autism; it simply means a screening may be helpful to learn more about their development.
Why Early Developmental Screening Matters
Early screening helps families gain a clearer understanding of how their child learns, communicates, and connects with the world. It allows parents to access supportive strategies sooner, rather than waiting and wondering. Early screening also reduces stress by offering guidance and opening the door to helpful school-based, home-based, and community resources.
Free Autism Screening Tools You Can Use at Home
You can complete a developmental screening right from home — in just a few minutes.
M-CHAT-R (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers)
The purpose of the M-CHAT-R is to identify early signs that may suggest a child could benefit from further evaluation.
- For ages: 16–30 months
- Time to complete: ~2 minutes
Click here to take the M-CHAT-R screening tool.
CAST (Childhood Autism Spectrum Test)
The purpose of the CAST screening tool is to help reflect on play, language, and social patterns of a child to see if further evaluation would be beneficial.
- For ages: 4-11 years
- Time to complete: ~5 minutes
Click here to take the CAST screening tool.
A high score on either tool does not diagnose autism — it simply means that a formal developmental evaluation may be recommended. The goal is clarity, not labeling.
What St. Charles Parents Commonly Experience
Families in the St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, Elgin, and South Elgin areas often share similar experiences: growing concern about development, limited clarity on where to start, and long waitlists for formal evaluations. Many parents are advised to “wait and see,” which can leave them unsure of how to support their child in the meantime. That’s where Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education comes in.
How Cultivate Supports Families in St. Charles
At Cultivate, our goal is to make the next step clear, supportive, and personal. You can begin the process from home using our free online screening tools.
Once your screening is completed and it indicates a likelihood of ASD, a member of our team will reach out to talk through the results with you. If further evaluation is recommended, we’ll help connect you with a trusted diagnostician — including our partner virtual diagnostic options to reduce long wait times commonly seen in the Fox Valley region.
No matter the outcome, we’ll help map out meaningful next steps that fit your child’s needs and routines. This may include ABA therapy, local speech or occupational therapy provider options, school-based supports, and community resources right here in the St. Charles area.
If you have any questions, our team is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about an ASD diagnosis or if you’re seeking ABA therapy in the St. Charles area.
