How to use it
Mark patterns you see more than once, then write examples. A single sign does not prove autism; patterns across settings matter more.
When to act
If you see multiple signs or your child is missing milestones, ask for developmental screening or professional guidance.
Use the app
Nesto helps parents move from observations to screening support, daily home activities, progress tracking, and PDF reports.
Printable Checklist
- Eye contact feels limited or inconsistent.Example: child rarely looks toward your face during shared play or requests.
- Does not respond to name consistently.Example: responds to favorite sounds but not when called by name.
- Gestures are delayed or limited.Example: little pointing, waving, showing objects, or reaching to share interest.
- Speech or communication is delayed.Example: few words, loss of words, limited back-and-forth sounds, or mostly pulling adults by hand.
- Pretend play or shared play is limited.Example: repeats the same play pattern, lines up toys, or prefers objects over people.
- Strong distress with changes or transitions.Example: small changes in route, food, clothing, or routine cause intense upset.
- Repetitive movements or intense interests.Example: hand flapping, spinning, rocking, repeated sounds, or unusually focused interests.
- Sensory reactions affect daily life.Example: strong reaction to sound, light, touch, textures, smells, clothing, food, or movement.
Examples I want to discuss
Important: This checklist is not a diagnostic test. If you are concerned, share examples with your child's pediatrician, developmental specialist, psychologist, therapist, or local evaluation service.
Sources used
Written as original Nesto educational content using public guidance from CDC developmental monitoring and autism screening pages.
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