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How is Autism diagnosed?

See how Autism is diagnosed. Which specialists are essential to meet, what tests are needed and other useful information for the diagnosis of Autism

Autism diagnosis

How is Autism Diagnosed?


Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. Diagnosing autism involves a comprehensive assessment conducted by a team of professionals, including psychologists, pediatricians, and speech therapists. The diagnostic process typically consists of several steps:



1. Initial Screening:


Parents or caregivers may notice certain developmental delays or atypical behaviors in their child, which prompts them to seek an evaluation. Pediatricians often perform initial screenings during routine check-ups to identify any red flags. These screenings involve observing the child's behavior, communication skills, and social interactions.



2. Developmental History:


The next step involves gathering a detailed developmental history of the child. Parents or caregivers are interviewed to provide information about the child's milestones, language development, social interactions, and any concerns they may have. This information helps in understanding the child's developmental trajectory.



3. Comprehensive Assessment:


A comprehensive assessment is conducted by a multidisciplinary team, which may include psychologists, psychiatrists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists. The assessment aims to evaluate various aspects of the child's development, behavior, and communication skills. It typically involves:



  • Observation: Professionals observe the child's behavior, social interactions, play skills, and response to stimuli. They look for specific signs and symptoms associated with autism.

  • Standardized Tests: Various standardized tests are used to assess the child's cognitive abilities, language skills, and adaptive functioning. These tests provide quantitative measures for comparison.

  • Parental Interviews: Parents or caregivers are interviewed in-depth to gather additional information about the child's behavior, social interactions, and communication skills in different settings.

  • Medical Evaluation: A medical evaluation is conducted to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be causing or contributing to the observed symptoms.



4. Diagnostic Criteria:


The assessment results are compared to the diagnostic criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is widely used for diagnosing autism. The DSM-5 specifies two core domains for autism diagnosis:



  • Social Communication and Interaction: The child may exhibit challenges in social-emotional reciprocity, nonverbal communication, and developing and maintaining relationships.

  • Restricted, Repetitive Patterns of Behavior: The child may display repetitive behaviors, restricted interests, and sensory sensitivities.



5. Diagnosis and Recommendations:


Based on the assessment results and meeting the diagnostic criteria, a formal diagnosis of autism is made. The diagnosis is typically provided by a qualified professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. Following the diagnosis, the team provides recommendations for intervention, support, and therapies tailored to the child's specific needs.



6. Ongoing Monitoring:


Autism is a lifelong condition, and ongoing monitoring is essential. Regular follow-up assessments help track the child's progress, identify any changes in symptoms, and adjust interventions accordingly.



It is important to note that the diagnostic process may vary slightly depending on the healthcare system and the professionals involved. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for individuals with autism to access appropriate support and maximize their potential for development and well-being.


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5 answers
Going through the DSM Criteria

Posted Sep 29, 2019 by Amy 13500
I have no idea how it works for kids, but the way I was diagnosed involved a long, tedious process of convincing doctors to actually do the test and humour me. I then did the ADOS-2 which confirmed it, along with an IQ test. I then had to ask for an official paper diagnosis because they thought all I wanted was accommodations for exams. I still haven't heard back yet.

Posted Dec 9, 2019 by alexanderyanj 2520
Translated from french Improve translation
By specific tests carried out by CRA ( centre de resources autism ) CAMSP, Paedo-psychiatrist , interviewed , psychologist...

Posted Sep 30, 2017 by Lili 1000
Translated from portuguese Improve translation
For the diagnosis of ASD is carried out successfully it is essential that the health professional has enough experience in the subject and who understand deeply about the childish behavior in general. In addition, it needs to be very attentive to the life history of the patient, which should begin even before the child is born, including so the pre-christmas season, the training of the child in the womb and the birth. Until the moment, there are no examinations or psychological tests that determine if the child is or is not within the spectrum of autism, but are currently used in the diagnosis some instruments described in the DSM - V: the Scale of assessment and the traits of autism (ATA), the Inventory behavior autísticos (ABC), the Questionnaire for the verification of autism (ASQ), the diagnostic Criteria for autism disorder, the diagnostic Criteria for Asperger disorder and Criteria for diagnosis of disorder and global development, without other specification.

Posted Oct 1, 2017 by Chadya 900

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