While there is not a single behavioral or communication test that can detect Autism, several Autism-specific tools are now being used for a formal diagnosis. These include the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS™-2), the Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI), the Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers (STAT), the Childhood Autism Rating Scales (CARS), and the Tele-ASD-Peds for diagnosis for use in telehealth. All of these tests should be used as part of a larger assessment, and not just on their own, as the determination of Autism is best completed with multiple sources of information.
Oftentimes, individuals diagnosed with Autism also have other conditions that impact their development and functionality. It is important for you to share your concerns with your doctor so that they can properly assess the symptoms and provide the individual with appropriate medical treatment.
Chronic Constipation and/or Diarrhea
IQ Concerns
Immune & GI Systems
Low Muscle Tone
Pain
Pica
Seizures
Sensory Problems
Sleep Problems
Infant and toddler diagnosis begin with voicing your concerns with your child’s pediatrician or primary care doctor. A primary care professional should be able to review your child’s development and conduct a short Autism screening. If that screening indicates that Autism might be a possibility, the doctor may diagnose your child if they have training, especially if Autism characteristics are clearly present. If they do not have Autism-specific training, or if your child’s presentation is subtle or complicated by other factors, they may refer you to an Autism specialist.
Most Autism diagnosticians will not diagnose a child until they are at least one-year-old. However, if your child has delays, you can seek services before that diagnosis, often from early intervention federal programs, or from private speech, occupational therapy, or physical therapy clinics. Your primary care professional can give a referral to early intervention or private therapists.
Once your child is at least one-year-old, an Autism diagnostician (developmental pediatrician, child psychologist, child psychiatrist) can begin to explore evaluating them. The evaluation will consist of interviews with you, review of records, and an observation of or interaction with your child. See the section on Medical Diagnosis for more information.