Autism diagnosis
How to get a fast appointment (2026 guide)

Recognising the Early Signs Even before a diagnosis, certain signs should raise concern from around 18 months to 2 years old: absence or loss of language, no finger-pointing, little eye contact, no response to their name, repetitive gestures such as hand-flapping or rocking, and an intense need for routines. A simple tool exists: the M-CHAT, a screening questionnaire that can be used from 16–18 months. It does not provide a diagnosis, but it indicates whether you should seek advice without delay. ➡️ To go further: [Signs of autism at 18 months, 2 years, 3 years: the age-by-age guide] [internal link to article to be created] The 4 Pathways to Getting a Diagnosis — and the Fastest Ones 1. Your GP or paediatrician — the starting point They are the person who can initiate the process, carry out the M-CHAT, and refer you onwards. Ask for an explicit written referral: this is what unlocks the next steps. Do not hesitate to insist if you feel your concerns are being minimised — your parental instinct matters. 2. The Coordination and Orientation Platform (PCO) — often the fastest route for children under 7 The PCOs for neurodevelopmental disorders coordinate the care pathway for children under 7. Their major advantage is the early intervention package, which allows assessments and interventions to begin — psychomotor therapy, occupational therapy, psychology — BEFORE the final diagnosis, with these sessions covered financially. In other words, action can begin immediately, without waiting. [TO COMPLETE: how to find/contact the PCO in your region + link] 3. The private sector — paid, but faster, and to be pursued IN PARALLEL While the public pathway is moving forward, you can consult privately to save months: an ASD-specialised psychologist, a paediatric neurologist, a speech therapist. This is the strategy that saved me the most time with Sasha. [TO COMPLETE: your actual observed costs per session/assessment] 4. The Autism Resource Centre (CRA) — the reference pathway, but with long waiting times The CRAs carry out complex diagnoses and are considered a reference point. But waiting times often exceed 12 to 18 months. They should be reserved for complex situations — and always while pursuing pathways 2 and 3 in parallel, so as not to lose that time. [TO COMPLETE: your list of CRAs / contacts by region] How Long Does It Take? How Much Does It Cost? Public sector — PMI, CMP, CRA: free, but with long waiting times. PCO / early intervention package: early interventions are covered financially — the most effective route for acting quickly while keeping costs under control. Private sector: faster, but at your own expense. [TO COMPLETE: price ranges you have observed] The right reflex: start several pathways at the same time and begin interventions as soon as the first signs appear, without waiting for the “official” diagnosis. Do Not Wait for the Diagnosis Before Taking Action This is the most important message from my own experience: every week counts, and many things can begin immediately — speech therapy, psychomotor therapy, play and interaction at home. My son Sasha, diagnosed at 16 months, now leads an ordinary life. Autism is not a life sentence, and you can take action now. ➡️ [Read our story] · [Free resources to download] · [The book “Sortir de l’autisme”] Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ (to be recreated as native text — this is what makes your FAQ schema valid for Google and eligible for rich results) Can autism be diagnosed before the age of 3? Yes. Reliable screening is possible from 18–24 months, and a diagnosis can be made early in more marked forms. Most importantly, intervention can begin well before a final diagnosis. What is the average waiting time for an autism diagnosis in France? It varies greatly: from a few weeks in the private sector to 12–18 months or more through a CRA. This is why it is useful to pursue several pathways in parallel. Is the diagnosis free? In the public sector, it is free. In the private sector, it is at your own expense. The early intervention package, via the PCO, can fund early interventions. [TO COMPLETE: details/amounts] Should I wait for the diagnosis before starting support? No, especially not. The early intervention package exists precisely to allow action before the diagnosis. The earlier you begin, the better. Is the M-CHAT test enough to make a diagnosis? No. It is a screening tool: if it is positive, you need to seek a more in-depth assessment. Our free test works in the same way — it guides you, it does not diagnose.