How To Diagnose Autism

Diagnosing ASD can be hard due to there are no blood test or any medical tests. The diagnosis is dependent on the child’s development history and behavior.

Diagnosing children with ASD as early as possible is important to ensure that children can receive the services and supports at the right time. There are several steps in this process.

The first step is screening which are based on research that compares child to other children of the same age. It can be done by a doctor or nurse, and the parents may be asked to complete the questionnaires as part of the screening process. 

The second step is a comprehensive diagnosis. A formal development diagnosis may be needed after the after abnormalities in the development track have been identified. The formal assessment is a more in depth look at the child’s development, gathers information through interviews and structured observation, and is usually done by a trained specialist, such as a developmental pediatrician, child psychologist, or other specialist. 

Early detection means earlier access to intervention. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children be screened for ASD at 18 to 24 months of age.