Autism Spectrum Disorder in Singapore

Does My Child Have Autism?

A free, interactive developmental milestone checklist for children aged 0–3 years.
Track milestones across domains identified by CDC and understand what to watch for.

Evidence-based Milestones Designed for Parents Singapore-specific Resources

Important: This checklist is an informational guide only — it is NOT a diagnostic assessment and does not replace a professional evaluation. If you have any concerns about your child's development, please consult your paediatrician or a qualified specialist.

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, and behaviour. In Singapore, rising awareness means more children are being identified and supported earlier than ever.

Every Child Is Different

Some show early signs like limited eye contact or delayed babbling. Others develop typically at first, then regress around 18–24 months. The spectrum is wide.

Screen from 18 Months

In Singapore, National University Hospital (NUH) and KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH) recommend children be screened from 18 months and formally assessed from around 31 months. Earlier is always better.

Early Intervention Works

National University Hospital (NUH) research shows children who start therapy before age 2 make significantly greater gains in language, social skills, and independence.

This Checklist Covers 4 CDC Developmental Domains:

Social & Emotional

Eye contact, joint attention, emotional expression, and social interaction

Language & Communication

Speech, babbling, gestures, and understanding language

Cognitive

Learning, problem-solving, exploration, and thinking skills

Movement & Physical Development

Fine and gross motor milestones, coordination, and physical growth

Parents — Trust Your Gut

You notice the small things — the way they don't look up when you call their name, the way they play differently at the playground. That instinct matters.

Singapore's National University Hospital (NUH) screening study found that when parents raised concerns, 85.7% of cases were confirmed upon evaluation. Parents are often the first to spot developmental differences — months before a formal screening does.

You might worry about labelling your child or overreacting. But in 30 years of clinical experience, no parent has ever regretted acting early. If your child is developing typically, an assessment gives you peace of mind. If there is a concern, you've given your child the greatest gift — time. Early intervention before age 3 takes advantage of the brain's peak neuroplasticity, leading to stronger communication, friendships, and independence.

If your gut is telling you something, listen to it. Nobody knows your child better than you do. If something feels different, it's worth checking — even if everyone else says 'wait and see.'

How to Use This Checklist

Select your child's age using the buttons below. Only milestones for that age group will appear.

Tap each milestone your child has achieved. A check mark will appear to confirm your selection.

Review the summary at the bottom — it updates automatically and flags any areas of concern to discuss with your doctor.

✓ Tap a milestone to check it — tap again to uncheck. Your summary will automatically highlight any areas that may need attention.

By 2 months

By 2 Months

0 / 11

Language & Communication

0/2

Makes sounds other than crying Reacts to loud sounds

Cognitive

0/2

Watches you as you move Looks at a toy for several seconds

Movement & Physical

0/3

Holds head up when on tummy Moves both arms and both legs Opens hands briefly

By 4 months

By 4 Months

0 / 13

Language & Communication

0/3

Makes sounds like “oooo”, “aahh” (cooing) Makes sounds back when you talk to him/her Turns head towards the sound of your voice

Cognitive

0/2

If hungry, opens mouth when he/she sees breast or bottle Looks at his/her hands with interest

Movement & Physical

0/5

Holds head steady without support when you are holding him/her Holds a toy when you put it in his/her hand Uses his/her arm to swing at toys Brings hands to mouth Pushes up onto elbows/forearms when on tummy

By 6 months

By 6 Months

0 / 12

Language & Communication

0/3

Takes turns making sounds with you Blows “raspberries” (sticks tongue out and blows) Makes squealing noises

Cognitive

0/3

Puts things in his/her mouth to explore them Reaches to grab a toy he/she wants Closes lips to show he/she doesn’t want more food

Movement & Physical

0/3

Rolls from tummy to back Pushes up with straight arms when on tummy Leans on hands to support himself/herself when sitting

By 9 months

By 9 Months

0 / 13

Language & Communication

0/2

Makes different sounds like “mamamama” and “babababa” Lifts arms up to be picked up

Cognitive

0/2

Looks for objects when dropped out of sight (like his/her spoon or toy) Bangs two things together

Movement & Physical

0/4

Gets to a sitting position by himself/herself Moves things from one hand to his/her other hand Uses fingers to “rake” food towards himself/herself Sits without support

By 12 months

By 12 Months

0 / 10

Language & Communication

0/3

Waves “bye-bye” Calls a parent “mama” or “dada” or another special name Understands “no” (pauses briefly or stops when you say it)

Cognitive

0/2

Puts something in a container, like a block in a cup Looks for things he/she sees you hide, like a toy under a blanket

Movement & Physical

0/4

Pulls up to stand Walks, holding on to furniture Drinks from a cup without a lid, as you hold it Picks things up between thumb and pointer finger, like small bits of food

By 15 months

By 15 Months

0 / 13

Language & Communication

0/4

Tries to say one or two words besides “mama” or “dada,” like “ba” for ball or “da” for dog Looks at a familiar object when you name it Follows directions given with both a gesture and words. For example, he/she gives you a toy when you hold out your hand and say, “Give me the toy.” Points to ask for something or to get help

Cognitive

0/2

Tries to use things the right way, like a phone, cup, or book Stacks at least two small objects, like blocks

Movement & Physical

0/2

Takes a few steps on his/her own Uses fingers to feed himself/herself some food

By 18 months

By 18 Months

0 / 15

Language & Communication

0/2

Tries to say three or more words besides “mama” or “dada” Follows one-step directions without any gestures, like giving you the toy when you say, “Give it to me.”

Cognitive

0/2

Copies you doing chores, like sweeping with a broom Plays with toys in a simple way, like pushing a toy car

Movement & Physical

0/6

Walks without holding on to anyone or anything Scribbles Drinks from a cup without a lid and may spill sometimes Feeds himself/herself with his/her fingers Tries to use a spoon Climbs on and off a couch or chair without help

By 24 months

By 24 Months

0 / 13

Language & Communication

0/4

Points to things in a book when you ask, like “Where is the bear?” Says at least two words together, like “More milk.” Points to at least two body parts when you ask him/her to show you Uses more gestures than just waving and pointing, like blowing a kiss or nodding yes

Cognitive

0/3

Holds something in one hand while using the other hand; for example, holding a container and taking the lid off Tries to use switches, knobs, or buttons on a toy Plays with more than one toy at the same time, like putting toy food on a toy plate

Movement & Physical

0/4

Kicks a ball Runs Walks (not climbs) up a few stairs with or without help Eats with a spoon

By 30 months

By 30 Months

0 / 15

Language & Communication

0/4

Says about 50 words Says two or more words together, with one action word, like “Doggie run” Names things in a book when you point and ask, “What is this?” Says words like “I,” “me,” or “we”

Cognitive

0/4

Uses things to pretend, like feeding a block to a doll as if it were food Shows simple problem-solving skills, like standing on a small stool to reach something Follows two-step instructions like “Put the toy down and close the door.” Shows he/she knows at least one color, like pointing to a red crayon when you ask, “Which one is red?”

Movement & Physical

0/4

Uses hands to twist things, like turning doorknobs or unscrewing lids Takes some clothes off by himself/herself, like loose pants or an open jacket Jumps off the ground with both feet Turns book pages, one at a time, when you read to him/her

By 36 months

By 3 Years

0 / 12

Language & Communication

0/5

Talks with you in conversation using at least two back-and-forth exchanges Asks “who,” “what,” “where,” or “why” questions, like “Where is mommy/daddy?” Says what action is happening in a picture or book when asked, like “running,” “eating,” or “playing” Says first name, when asked Talks well enough for others to understand, most of the time

Cognitive

0/2

Draws a circle, when you show him/her how Avoids touching hot objects, like a stove, when you warn him/her

Movement & Physical

0/3

Strings items together, like large beads or macaroni Puts on some clothes by himself/herself, like loose pants or a jacket Uses a fork

Your Results — By 2 Months

Milestones Achieved

23
Expected for Age

Start checking milestones to see your child's developmental progress. Every milestone your child has achieved is a sign of healthy development.

Important: This checklist is an informational guide only — it is NOT a diagnostic assessment and does not replace a professional evaluation. If you have concerns, please consult your paediatrician or a qualified specialist.

You Don't Have to Wait for a Diagnosis to Start.

We know the wait for a paediatrician or formal assessment can feel long — and that uncertainty is hard. At Autism Partnership, our clinical team can identify developmental gaps and skill deficits, and your child can begin receiving targeted support right away.

Whether you're still waiting for an appointment, have just started noticing concerns, or simply want a second opinion — speaking to us may give you the clarity and peace of mind you need.

Speak to Our Clinical Team →

Where to Get Help in Singapore

Key institutions offering developmental screening and assessment services.

KKH Child Development

Child development department provides specialist diagnostic for children with developmental, learning and behavioural difficulties.

Visit KKH →

NUH Child Development Unit

Developmental and Behavioural Paediatrics provides diagnostic and care for children experiencing developmental, learning and behavioural challenges.

Visit NUH CDU →

IMH Child Guidance Clinic

Autism assessment and intervention for children and adolescents.

Visit IMH →

SG Enable

Guide on autism support services, subsidies and schemes.

Visit SG Enable →

FAQ for Autism in Singapore

What are the earliest signs of autism in babies?

The earliest signs include limited eye contact, absence of social smiling by 6–8 weeks, not responding to their name by 12 months, no babbling by 12 months, and limited use of gestures like pointing or waving. Not all children with autism show early signs, which is why regular developmental screening is recommended.

Does failing milestones mean my child has autism?

No. A milestone checklist is a screening guide, not a diagnostic instrument. Missing milestones may indicate a developmental delay that could have many causes. Only a qualified professional can diagnose autism through comprehensive evaluation. The most important step is to seek an assessment if you have concerns — early intervention is always beneficial regardless of diagnosis.

Should I wait to see if my child "grows out of it"?

No. While every child develops at their own pace, research consistently shows that early intervention — particularly before age 3 — leads to significantly better outcomes. The brain is most plastic during the early years, and targeted support during this window can make a lasting difference. The NUH screening study found that children who were identified early began therapy at an average age of just 22 months. If you have concerns, act now — you will never regret starting early.

Where can I get my child screened in Singapore?

All Singapore Citizen and PR children are eligible for subsidised Childhood Developmental Screening (CDS) at polyclinics. Screening is recommended at 4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, 30 months, and 48 months. If concerns arise, your polyclinic can refer your child to KKH Women's and Children's Hospital, NUH Child Development Unit, or IMH for a comprehensive assessment.

Sources:

Developmental milestones: CDC "Learn the Signs. Act Early" (75th percentile). Reproduced with attribution to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

NUH screening statistic: Zheng, R. M., Chan, S. P., Law, E. C., Chong, S. C., & Aishworiya, R. (2024). Validity and feasibility of using the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-Up (M-CHAT-R/F) in primary care clinics in Singapore. Autism, 28(6). doi:10.1177/13623613231205748

info@autismpartnership.com.sg

+65 6463 3095

Does My Child Have Autism?

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder

Every Child Is Different

Screen from 18 Months

Early Intervention Works

This Checklist Covers 4 CDC Developmental Domains:

Social & Emotional

Language & Communication

Cognitive

Movement & Physical Development

Parents — Trust Your Gut

How to Use This Checklist

By 2 Months

Social & Emotional

Language & Communication

Cognitive

Movement & Physical

By 4 Months

Social & Emotional

Language & Communication

Cognitive

Movement & Physical

By 6 Months

Social & Emotional

Language & Communication

Cognitive

Movement & Physical

By 9 Months

Social & Emotional

Language & Communication

Cognitive

Movement & Physical

By 12 Months

Social & Emotional

Language & Communication

Cognitive

Movement & Physical

By 15 Months

Social & Emotional

Language & Communication

Cognitive

Movement & Physical

By 18 Months

Social & Emotional

Language & Communication

Cognitive

Movement & Physical

By 24 Months

Social & Emotional

Language & Communication

Cognitive

Movement & Physical

By 30 Months

Social & Emotional

Language & Communication

Cognitive

Movement & Physical

By 3 Years

Social & Emotional

Language & Communication

Cognitive

Movement & Physical

Your Results — By 2 Months

Milestones to Watch

You Don't Have to Wait for a Diagnosis to Start.

Where to Get Help in Singapore

KKH Child Development

NUH Child Development Unit

IMH Child Guidance Clinic

SG Enable

FAQ for Autism in Singapore

Sources:

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