Understanding Your Child’s Screening Results

Thank you for completing our autism screening tool. We know it can feel overwhelming to answer questions about your child. You just took an important step, and you do not have to figure out the next ones alone.

This page explains what different score ranges mean and how they connect to next steps. Remember, this is a screening, not a diagnosis. If you ever feel unsure, it is always appropriate to talk with a pediatrician or a member of the compleatKiDZ team.

How your screening score works

The screening tool adds up how many responses suggest possible developmental concerns. The total score ranges from 0 to 20 and falls into one of three groups.

  • 0 to 2 points: Low likelihood of developmental concerns
  • 3 to 7 points: Moderate likelihood
  • 8 to 20 points: High likelihood

Your child’s score helps guide whether it may be helpful to simply watch development over time, complete a follow up screening, or move more quickly toward a full diagnostic evaluation.

Score 0–2:
Low likelihood

Most responses suggest skills are developing on track for age.

What this usually means

  • Many children in this range are developing skills on pace with peers.
  • No immediate follow up is usually needed if there are no other concerns.
  • It is still helpful to watch social, communication, and play skills as your child grows.

What you can do next

  • Continue to monitor milestones such as eye contact, shared play, and language.
  • Bring up any new worries with your child’s pediatrician.
  • If your child is under 24 months, consider repeating a screening around age 2.

Score 3–7:
Moderate likelihood

Some answers suggest areas worth looking at more closely.

What this usually means

  • There are a few patterns in social, communication, or play skills that stand out.
  • Many children in this range benefit from a more detailed follow up screening.
  • Some children will be referred for a full evaluation, while others will not.

What you can do next

  • Share the screening results with your child’s pediatrician.
  • Ask about additional questions or a follow up screening focused on flagged items.
  • Notice whether challenges are getting stronger, staying steady, or improving over time.

Score 8–20:
High likelihood

Several responses suggest a higher chance of developmental concerns.

What this usually means

  • Multiple responses point to differences in social interaction, communication, or behavior.
  • Many children in this range are later found to qualify for autism or other developmental services.
  • Moving toward a full diagnostic evaluation is usually recommended.

What you can do next

  • Contact your child’s pediatrician as soon as you can and share the screening results.
  • Ask for a referral for a full developmental and autism evaluation.
  • Ask about early intervention or school based services, depending on your child’s age.

If you feel worried at any score, your concern matters. You never need to wait for a certain number to ask for help.

What a full developmental evaluation includes

A diagnostic evaluation is more detailed than a screening. The goal is to understand your child’s strengths and challenges so you can get the right support, not just to assign a label.

  • Developmental history and caregiver interview
  • Observation of how your child plays, communicates, and interacts
  • Standardized play based activities
  • Questionnaires for parents and sometimes teachers
  • A written report and time to review the results with you

How compleatKiDZ Supports Families

compleatKiDZ provides pediatric therapy services that support children with autism and other developmental differences. Our team partners with families to build practical skills at home, at school, and in the community.

Services may include:

  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
  • Speech Therapy
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physical Therapy

We focus on:

  • Communication and language growth
  • Play and social skills
  • Daily routines and independence
  • Caregiver coaching and support

Ready to talk about your child’s results?

If you would like help understanding your child’s screening score or exploring next steps, our team is here to support you.