Being aware of the developmental stages for your child is key in recognizing disabilities, such as autism. In order to help families monitor their children's progress, the CDC began a campaign to help with measuring a child's abilities (how they play, learn, speak, and act).
Check out the Link to the Milestones page on the CDC web-site: http://www.cdc.gov/NCBDDD/actearly/milestones/index.html
Read more about what the CDC recommends: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly