Autism is a complex developmental disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. What is autism exactly? Autism affects the brain’s development and the way it processes information. It is a spectrum disorder, meaning that it affects each individual differently, and that is the reason that the symptoms vary from person to person.
How is Autism Diagnosed?
How is Autism Diagnosed?
Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) requires a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a team of healthcare professionals. This team typically includes a developmental pediatrician, psychologist, speech therapist, and occupational therapist. The evaluation process involves observing the child’s behavior, conducting interviews with parents and caregivers, and administering standardized tests to assess the child’s developmental skills. In this article, we will explore the steps involved in diagnosing autism and the criteria used for making a final diagnosis.
Initial Screening
All children should undergo screening for ASD at 18 and 24 months of age, as well as any time there are concerns about their social interactions, language development, or other developmental milestones. Screening typically involves using a standardized tool to assess the child’s social communication and behavioral skills. One commonly used screening tool is the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT), which can be downloaded from the provided link. It is essential to consult the instructions if you have any questions about its usage.
Diagnostic Evaluation
If a child is found to be at risk for ASD based on the screening results, further evaluation is recommended. This diagnostic evaluation is carried out by a team of healthcare professionals specializing in the assessment and treatment of ASD. It includes various components, such as:
- Comprehensive medical and developmental history: This involves reviewing the child’s medical records, family history, and developmental milestones.
- Direct observation: Professionals directly observe the child’s behavior and communication skills to gain insight into their social interactions, language abilities, and repetitive patterns of behavior.
- Standardized tests: These tests assess the child’s developmental skills and may include assessments like the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) or the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS).
- Communication assessment: Professionals evaluate the child’s communication skills using tools such as the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales (CSBS) Developmental Profile.
- Social skills assessment: The child’s social skills are evaluated using measures like the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS).
Final Diagnosis
Based on the results of the diagnostic evaluation, healthcare professionals will determine whether the child meets the criteria for ASD outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The DSM-5 specifies that a diagnosis of ASD requires persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts, as well as restricted repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.
Research has demonstrated the importance of a comprehensive evaluation for accurate diagnosis of ASD. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that a diagnostic evaluation that includes direct observation of the child’s behavior and standardized testing yields more accurate results compared to diagnoses based solely on parent reports or medical records.
In conclusion, when asking how is autism diagnosed, we should consider that diagnosing autism involves a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a team of healthcare professionals specializing in the assessment and treatment of ASD. This evaluation includes reviewing the child’s medical and developmental history, observing their behavior and communication skills, and administering standardized tests to assess their developmental abilities. Based on the evaluation, healthcare professionals will determine whether the child meets the criteria for ASD as outlined in the DSM-5.
Also read: Is Autism Caused by Complications During Pregnancy?
About Olga Sirbu
My name is Olga Sirbu, I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Applied Behavioral Analyst. My goal is to support and empower families and individuals on the autism spectrum.
Autism Advance is dedicated to training parents and caregivers, providing practical tips, and teaching individuals how to educate kids with autism.
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