Obtaining Proper Diagnosis

Obtaining a diagnosis for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a complex task that is achieved in collaboration with the child, the parents, and the healthcare professionals. There is no single test that identifies autism. It includes different screening processes, medical tests, and evaluations that seem to never end and can easily take a toll on the child and the child’s parents and caregivers.

Diagnosing autism early is important. Signs of autism can often be seen by 18 months or earlier, and by age 2 a diagnosis by an experienced professional can be considered reliable (CDC). In some children the signs are subtler and are noticed later, so a concern at any age is worth raising with your child's doctor. Observation of the parents is an essential part of diagnosing autism. In all tests, these observations will be repeatedly studied and asked from the parents.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are 2 steps in obtaining an autism diagnosis. These are the developmental screening process and the comprehensive diagnostic evaluation

Developmental Screening

Developmental screening begins when the child is brought to the pediatrician for a well-baby check-up. It is recommended that developmental screenings be done when the child is 9, 18, and 24 or 30 months old, and screenings specifically for ASD should be done when the child is 18 and 24 months old.

The developmental screening process involves answering questionnaires or filling up checklists that serve as a guide for pediatricians. These checklists are compared to typical developmental milestones. Developmental milestones are a set of functional skills or age-specific tasks that most children can do at a certain age range (Boyse, K., 2010). Any deviations or delays in the manifestation of these milestones can be an early sign of autism.

Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation

Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation is done when the results of developmental screening show cause for concern such as delays in speech and communication skills or an alteration in social development is present. In this step, a hearing and vision screening, genetic testing, neurological testing, and another medical testing may be included and performed by a multi-disciplinary team of health professionals. As the results of these different tests arrive, your pediatrician may refer you to a specialist that is more equipped to handle ASD like a pediatric neurologist, psychologist, psychiatrists and different types of certified therapists appropriate for the area of concern so your child gets the right care.

It is important to bear in mind that Autism Spectrum Disorders are still ongoing studies. Diagnostic tools and treatments are still being discovered and proven. One clinician may recommend a test while another may suggest a different type of diagnostic procedure. It is best to find a clinician who can refer you to other specialists if he finds the need for it.

You do not need to wait for a formal diagnosis to get help. A child under 3 can be evaluated for free through your state's early intervention program, and a child 3 or older through your local public school; ask your child's doctor for a referral, or contact them yourself. A formal diagnosis then helps the team plan care and can open insurance coverage for therapies such as ABA.

References:

Boyse, K. (2010, February). Developmental Milestones. Retrieved May 11, 2011, from http://www.med.umich.edu/yourchild/topics/devmile.htm

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. cdc.gov.  Screening and Development. Retrieved May 9, 2011from http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/screening.html

American Academy of Pediatrics. Aap.org. Autism. Retrieved May 11, 2011, from http://www.aap.org/healthtopics/autism.cfm

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