Did you know that early intervention can significantly improve outcomes for children with autism? But how do you know which skills to focus on? Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or therapist, this 100-point checklist covers speech, motor skills, social interactions, and daily living—so you can track progress and target support effectively.
Why This Checklist Matters
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects each child differently. Some may struggle with speech, while others face motor coordination or social challenges. This comprehensive checklist, developed by Dr. Alok Arora, helps:
- Identify strengths to build confidence.
- Spot delays early for timely intervention.
- Track progress over time with clear milestones.
Pro Tip: Use this as a baseline assessment and revisit it every 6 months to measure growth!
Key Areas Covered in the Checklist
1. Speech & Communication
- Verbal Skills: First words, sentence formation, speech clarity.
- Receptive Language: Following instructions, understanding questions.
- Social Communication: Turn-taking, eye contact, humor recognition.
Example: If your child echoes phrases (echolalia) but struggles with spontaneous speech, focus on pragmatic language activities.
2. Motor Skills
- Gross Motor: Running, jumping, balance.
- Fine Motor: Pincer grasp, buttoning, using scissors.
- Coordination: Crossing midline, hand-eye tasks.
Tip: A child who avoids climbing playground equipment may need vestibular sensory input (swinging, spinning).
3. Social & Emotional Development
- Nonverbal Cues: Reading facial expressions, personal space.
- Friendship Skills: Sharing, apologizing, conflict resolution.
- Empathy & Perspective-Taking: Recognizing others’ feelings.
Red Flag: If a child doesn’t respond to their name, joint attention exercises can help.
4. Cognitive & Daily Living Skills
- Problem-Solving: Cause-and-effect understanding.
- Self-Care: Brushing teeth, dressing, toileting.
- Safety Awareness: Recognizing danger, emergency responses.
Game Changer: Visual schedules can boost independence in daily routines!
How to Use This Checklist
- Print it out and mark skills your child has mastered (✅).
- Highlight 3-5 focus areas for therapy or home practice.
- Celebrate small wins—progress is incremental!
Bonus: Pair with therapy apps like Speech Blubs or OT Planner for structured practice.
Final Thought: Progress Over Perfection
Every child with autism learns at their own pace. This checklist isn’t about “fixing” them—it’s about empowering their unique journey.
#AutismAwareness #EarlyIntervention #SpeechTherapy #OccupationalTherapy #ParentingTips #SpecialNeeds #ASDSupport
Which skill area is your child currently working on? Share below! 👇💙
(P.S. Want a printable PDF version? DM us!)
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