Have you ever looked at your toddler and wondered, Is this just a phase—or is there something deeper going on? Parenting comes with its fair share of questions, but when it comes to developmental milestones, uncertainty can feel overwhelming. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often presents in early childhood, and catching the signs early can open doors to crucial resources and support. Does your toddler avoid eye contact? Are they hesitant to engage socially, or do they show repetitive behaviors that seem unusual? Every child grows at their own pace, but these patterns can be worth exploring.
This quiz is here to help you take a closer look. It’s not a diagnosis—just a tool to help you better understand your toddler’s development and spot areas where further evaluation might be helpful. Early detection and intervention can make a world of difference. Are you ready to take this important first step? Let’s dive in.
History Lesson
The Founding Voices of Autism Research
Autism as we understand it today began to take shape in the 1940s, thanks to two groundbreaking researchers: Hans Asperger and Leo Kanner. Working independently, they both noticed patterns of behavior in children that were unlike anything formally described before—patterns that now form the foundation of our understanding of autism.
Leo Kanner, an Austrian-American psychiatrist, made waves in 1943 when he published a study describing 11 children who struggled with social connections, had delayed speech, and displayed repetitive behaviors. He called this condition “early infantile autism.” Kanner’s ideas were revolutionary for their time. He rejected the cruel, widely held “refrigerator mother” theory that blamed cold, unloving mothers for a child’s differences. Instead, he pointed to biology, marking a turning point in the way autism was viewed.
Meanwhile, over in Austria, Hans Asperger was observing another group of children. These kids were bright and articulate but found social situations baffling and had deeply focused, repetitive interests. In 1944, he described this condition as “autistic psychopathy.” Though his findings were mostly overlooked outside Europe for decades, Asperger’s work eventually helped shape what we now recognize as Asperger’s Syndrome, a term once used for individuals on the autism spectrum with high verbal abilities.
Their work was groundbreaking, but it wasn’t perfect. Kanner’s and Asperger’s descriptions focused on specific types of behavior, leaving out the wide variety of experiences we now know are part of the autism spectrum. Over time, research has filled in these gaps, leading to a more inclusive understanding of autism as a spectrum of traits, not a narrow set of symptoms.
These two pioneers, working worlds apart, helped transform the way society sees autism. They shifted the narrative from blame and misunderstanding to recognition and support, paving the way for earlier diagnoses, better resources, and a greater appreciation of neurodiversity. Their legacy reminds us that understanding is a journey—one that’s still unfolding.
Quiz Writer
Gennie dances through life with the grace of a leaf caught in a playful gust. That is to say, she continuously finds herself moving to the ever-changing rhythms of the world around her. She often shares stories of swaying to the melodies of Vivaldi and Chopin and a touch of Ella Fitzgerald during her early years. Gennie never misses a beat, whether she's penning evocative stories that resonate deeply or solving intricate puzzles that challenge the mind. Currently, she's weaving words for her upcoming book, a title she playfully keeps a secret. Dive into a conversation with her, and you'll quickly find yourself captivated by her tales, riddles, and the vibrant energy she brings to every encounter.
Did you know?
The History of World Autism Awareness Day
World Autism Awareness Day was established by the United Nations in 2007 to highlight the need for global awareness and understanding of autism. Celebrated annually on April 2nd, this day was created to shine a light on the unique strengths and challenges faced by individuals on the autism spectrum, as well as to advocate for the rights and inclusion of autistic people in all aspects of society.
The initiative was proposed by Sheikha Moza bint Nasser of Qatar, a prominent advocate for education and social development. The UN General Assembly unanimously adopted the resolution, emphasizing the importance of early intervention, support systems, and educational opportunities for autistic individuals. World Autism Awareness Day became the first UN-designated day devoted to raising awareness about a neurological condition.
Since its inception, World Autism Awareness Day has sparked campaigns worldwide, such as the “Light It Up Blue” initiative, where landmarks and buildings are lit in blue to symbolize autism awareness. The day also serves as a platform for promoting acceptance and understanding, moving the focus beyond awareness to celebrating neurodiversity and advocating for meaningful change.
How to Play?
Our personality quizzes are set up a little differently than your basic trivia quiz, but you’ve probably seen their kind around. Rather than having to choose the right answer from a list of multiple choice options, in this case, there is no “right answer”! (Two plus two will always be four, but every Golden Girls character is equally awesome.)
So, stop stressing. Just click on the answer that suits you best, and enjoy the ride. These quizzes are just for fun but who knows – you might just learn something about yourself along the way!
About Heywise
Get knOwledgeable! Heywise is where entertainment and trivia meet, like a turducken of fun. Anytime. Anywhere. Since 2017, Heywise has been a leader of quizzes on the web, on mobile devices, and across social media.
We explore a broad range of topics – from sports to history, language to pop culture, personality to health. Our quizzes motivate readers to test their knowledge and learn new and exciting facts.
We’re inspired by food and unique destinations around the globe. We love movies and TV shows, but most of all we love having the opportunity to share these passions with you.
Have you ever wondered what color represents your personality? Do you know which Hogwarts House you belong to? Are you a Pessimist or an Optimist? Our unique personality quizzes will help you find out! We want to share the knowledge of all things awesome with you.
We’re the best quiz site on the internet. That might be our opinion, but it’s pure fact that we get up in the morning expressly to share awesome, eye-opening knowledge with you. So, come get your brain pumping.