What If Autism Screening Is Skipped?

PostedNovember 10, 2025

UpdatedNovember 10, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Lucia Alvarez, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

If autism screening is skipped, it can lead to a missed diagnosis, which may delay crucial support and interventions. Early detection is key in addressing autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and skipping this important step can result in delayed detection of developmental concerns that could otherwise be addressed with timely interventions.

Autism symptoms can often be subtle in the early stages, making it easy to overlook. However, when autism screening is skipped, there’s a risk of missing signs like communication difficulties, social withdrawal, or repetitive behaviours. This delay can affect the child’s development, especially in areas such as learning, social skills, and emotional regulation.

What Happens When Autism Screening Is Skipped?

Here’s why skipping autism screening can be detrimental:

Missed Diagnosis:

Without screening, children who show early signs of autism may not be diagnosed until later, when intervention may be less effective. Early diagnosis provides the foundation for appropriate support, helping to optimise developmental outcomes.

Delayed Detection:

Early detection of autism helps tailor interventions that can support a child’s social, language, and academic skills. Delaying the screening process means missing out on early help, which can make it harder for the child to catch up with their peers.

Developmental Concerns:

When autism screening is skipped, developmental concerns may go unaddressed, leading to long-term challenges in communication, emotional regulation, and behaviour.

It’s crucial to follow through with autism screening if there are concerns. Early identification ensures that children receive the support they need, helping them reach their full potential. For expert guidance and support, visit providers like Autism Detect for a thorough consultation on your child’s development.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Autism Screening and Assessment Tools.

Lucia Alvarez, MSc

Author

Lucia Alvarez is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience providing evidence-based therapy and psychological assessment to children, adolescents, and adults. Skilled in CBT, DBT, and other therapeutic interventions, she has worked in hospital, community, and residential care settings. Her expertise includes grief counseling, anxiety management, and resilience-building, with a strong focus on creating safe, supportive environments to improve mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.