Autism Milestone & Early Support Checklist

For parents who are noticing differences — and want to feel more prepared for the conversations that come next.

Free

Something feels different. You're not sure what to do with that feeling.

Maybe your child isn't hitting the milestones the books describe. Maybe they react to things in ways that surprise you. Maybe a teacher has said something, or a family member, or you've simply been lying awake at night with a quiet worry you haven't yet put into words.

Whatever brought you here — you were right to come.

This checklist won't give you a diagnosis. Only a qualified professional can do that. What it will give you is something almost as valuable: clarity, language, and a sense of where to start.

What This Checklist Does

The Autism Milestone & Early Support Checklist is a calm, structured observation tool for parents and caregivers of children aged 0–5 who are noticing developmental differences and want to feel more prepared before speaking to a doctor, therapist, or specialist.

It is not alarming. It is not clinical. It is written in plain, warm language by someone who has sat exactly where you are sitting right now.

What's Inside

Communication & Language Eight observable patterns to watch for, covering how your child uses words, sounds, gestures, and responds to their name.

Social Interaction Eight indicators around eye contact, shared enjoyment, interest in other children, and back-and-forth play.

Sensory, Routine & Behaviour Eight patterns covering sensory sensitivities, need for sameness, repetitive movements, and difficulty with transitions.

Daily Living & Regulation Eight everyday observations around eating, sleeping, getting dressed, meltdowns, and emotional recovery.

Parent Reflection Page A quiet, private space for you to record your own patterns, questions, and observations — written for your eyes only, not for any professional to grade.

What Comes Next A gentle, step-by-step guide on how to use your completed checklist — including how to prepare for a doctor's appointment, what early support options to ask about, and how to trust your instincts without second-guessing yourself.

How to Use It

Observe first. Spend one to two weeks simply watching before you tick anything.
Tick patterns, not single moments. Look for what you see regularly, not just once.
Use the notes spaces. A short real-life example is worth more than a perfect sentence.
Bring it to your appointment. Hand it to any professional you trust and let it speak for you.

A Note From the Creator

"When my daughter was young, I didn't have a tool like this. I had worry, and I had instinct, and I had a stack of clinical language I didn't fully understand. This checklist is what I wish someone had handed me at the very beginning — something calm, something human, and something that made me feel like I wasn't alone in noticing what I was noticing."

— [Your Name], Retired Educator · Father of an autistic daughter · Different Drumbeatz

This Checklist Is Right For You If…

✅ You're a parent or caregiver who has been noticing something different about your child ✅ Your child is between 0 and 5 years old ✅ You have an upcoming appointment and want to feel organised and prepared ✅ You want something calm and non-alarmist — not a frightening list of warning signs ✅ You're an early childhood educator who wants a gentle tool to recommend to families

What You'll Receive

📄 8-page printable PDF — print at home on any standard printer 🔓 Completely free — no purchase necessary, ever 📦 Instant download — yours the moment you enter your email

This resource does not diagnose autism. It is an observational tool only. Always consult a qualified professional for assessment and diagnosis.

Ready for the Next Step?

Once you've completed the checklist and had that first conversation, many families find that the next challenge isn't understanding their child — it's building calmer, more predictable days at home.

That's exactly what the Autism Daily Routine Toolkit was designed for.

👉 [See the full toolkit here.]