Developmental Screening Tool

Autism & Social Communication Observation Guide

Organize concrete behavioural observations across home and community settings before clinical assessment.

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Rabbia Psychologist Child Development Services

Autism & Social Communication Observation Log

Framework: DSM-5-TR Diagnostic Criteria & CDC Developmental Surveillance Guidelines

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Clinical Parent Resource

Child's Name:

Date of Birth / Age:

Observation Window:

Primary Concern:

DOMAIN A: Social-Emotional Reciprocity & Communication Patterns

Check items observed regularly and note specific examples below:

Response to Name: Does not consistently turn head or make eye contact when called from across the room (hearing verified intact).Joint Attention & Pointing: Rarely points to show interest ("Look at that plane!") or follows another person's pointing finger.Conversational Turn-Taking: Struggles with two-way conversation; may monologue extensively on preferred topics or repeat phrases (echolalia).Peer Play Differences: Prefers solitary play or parallel play; difficulty understanding rules of reciprocal games or imaginary play.

Specific Observations / Examples:

DOMAIN B: Restricted, Repetitive Patterns & Sensory Sensitivities

Insistence on Sameness / Transitions: Extreme distress over minor route changes, clothing tags, food textures, or routine shifts.Repetitive Motor Movements: Hand flapping, rocking, toe-walking, spinning objects, or lining up toys instead of functional play.Sensory Hyper-reactivity: Covering ears during blenders/hand dryers; extreme sensitivity to bright fluorescent lights or specific clothing fabrics.Sensory Hypo-reactivity / Seeking: High pain tolerance; seeking intense deep pressure, spinning, or smelling/licking non-food objects.

Specific Observations / Examples:

Clinical Notice: This checklist is an observational recording sheet, not a diagnostic instrument. An Autism Spectrum diagnosis requires comprehensive standardized clinical assessment (e.g. ADOS-2, ADI-R) by a qualified developmental specialist.

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