Preschoolers assessed for autism: parent and teacher experiences of the diagnostic process.

Andersson et al. (2014) asked parents and teachers about the autism check-up for preschoolers. They used a survey to learn when adults first worried and how they felt later.

Most adults first saw signs before the child turned two. After the full check-up, both groups said they were happy with the process.

Barbaro et al. (2017) tracked the same age group and found 88% kept the autism label. Their data extend the story by showing the label usually sticks once given.

Grigore et al. (2024) looked at many screening studies and say the tools still lack clear proof. This seems to clash with Westman's happy families, but the difference is focus: Westman asked about the experience, Grigore asked if screening changes long-term results.

Singh et al. (2024) add that, in real life, the average age of diagnosis sits at four years. This stretches the timeline between early worry and final label.

You can tell families their early hunch is valid and that most feel satisfied after the full check-up. Still, plan for a possible two-year wait before the formal label. Use that window to start teaching skills and tracking progress.