<prompt> What is the age limit for further developmental assessment in a child not reaching for objects3 months5 months9 months12 months  <response>: A developmental assessment for children under age 3 is an attempt to assess various aspects of the childs functioning, including areas such as cognition, communication, behavior, social interaction, motor and sensory abilities, and adaptive skills. Assessment of the family and the childs environment also provides important contextual information.Topics covered in this sectionThis section covers the basic aspects of the general developmental assessment for young children with suspected developmental problems including possible autism. This section focuses on the general approach to the developmental assessment, including some specific components of such an assessment, but does not review information on specific autism assessment instruments.Basis for guideline recommendations about the general developmental assessmentIn the previous section on the use of autism assessment instruments, the guideline recommendations are based on the panels interpretation of an extensive and systematic review of the scientific literature. The panel did not attempt to systematically evaluate the research evidence on effectiveness of the general developmental assessment methods discussed in this section as this was considered outside the specific scope of the guideline. Therefore, guideline recommendations in this section are based on the consensus opinion of the panel, using its collective knowledge and experience in assessing children with autism. In the panels opinion, these recommendations reflect appropriate practices for assessing children with possible autism and are generally consistent with the scientific knowledge in this field. 