What screening test is recommended for children aged 18 and 24 months?

The recommended screening test for children aged 18 and 24 months is autism screening. This focus is aligned with guidelines from pediatric health organizations that emphasize early detection and intervention for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These ages correspond to critical developmental milestones, making it crucial to identify potential developmental delays or concerns related to social communication and behavior.

Early screening for autism typically involves standardized tools, such as the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT), which help to ascertain whether a child is exhibiting signs consistent with ASD. By identifying at-risk children during these formative years, health care providers can facilitate timely referrals for further evaluation and support services, potentially improving long-term outcomes.

While vision screening, hearing screening, and lead testing are important aspects of child health assessments, they are not specifically recommended at these particular ages for the purpose of identifying autism spectrum disorder. Autism screening is distinctly targeted to capture behaviors that may require further assessment and intervention.