What components comprise the recommended early screening approach for Autism Spectrum Disorder?

• A. Developmental history, parent-report screening tools (such as M-CHAT-R/F), and follow-up assessment; comprehensive evaluation.
• B. Genetic testing only.
• C. School performance alone.
• D. Brain imaging as the first step.

Answer: (A)

Screening for autism starts with identifying potential concerns through a practical, layered approach that can be used in primary care settings. The key components are gathering a thorough developmental history to spot early signs in how a child communicates, socializes, and engages with others; using a validated parent-report screening tool like M-CHAT-R/F to quantify worries and flag children who may need further assessment; and conducting a follow-up assessment if the initial screen raises concerns to clarify the level of risk and reduce false positives. When concerns persist or are significant, a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation by a multidisciplinary team is pursued to confirm the diagnosis and guide intervention. Other options—such as relying on genetic testing alone, evaluating school performance in isolation, or using brain imaging as the first step—do not provide the reliable, scalable early screen needed to identify ASD risk in young children.