Understanding Autism Diagnosis and Testing

Currently there are no laboratory blood tests or genetic links for the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.  It is important to understand how a diagnosis is obtained and what tests are used to screen for and confirm an autism diagnosis.  The individual’s behavior and developmental milestones are evaluated to help make a diagnosis. The two steps for obtaining an ASD diagnosis include:

1.   Developmental Screening

2.   Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation

First, establishing an open form of communication with your child’s healthcare provider is an essential element for their growth and development.  At your monthly well-visits, it is important to evaluate and discuss your child’s developmental milestones and any concerns you have. The American Academy of Pediatrics currently recommends that all children be screened at their 18- and 24-month well-child visits for autism (Autism Speaks, 2018).  These screenings will not provide an autism diagnosis however, they will raise red flags for areas of concern. If there are developmental concerns during the screening process you should consult with your child’s pediatrician about having a full evaluation completed by a qualified medical professional which can include neurologists, developmental behavioral pediatricians, or psychiatrists.

Developmental Screening:

These screenings are used to evaluate if basic learning skills are emerging in your child or if there are delays.  These screenings typically consist of your healthcare provider asking parents/caregivers questions, talking and playing with your child to observe how they speak, behave, move, and socially interact (Centers for Disease and Control, 2015).  These screenings are important in helping to establish the first warning signs that your child may potentially have a learning delay.

Sample Types of Developmental Screenings:

·         Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ)

·         Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales (CSBS)

·         Parents Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS)

·         Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (MCHAT)

·         Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers and Young Children (STAT)

Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation:

If there are concerns during the developmental screening your doctor will recommend further diagnostic testing.  This will include a thorough review of your child’s behavior and development. Other tests may include a hearing and vision screening, genetic testing, neurological testing, and other medical testing (Centers for Disease and Control, 2015).  Some sample questions parents/caregivers might be asked include:

• What kind of language skills does your child have?

• At what age did his/her symptoms start?

• Has he/she experienced a regression in skills?

• Does he/she have any related cognitive or learning problems?

• Does he/she have any challenging behaviors?

• Is he/she able to pay attention for extended periods?

Sample Types of Diagnostic Evaluations:

·         Autism Diagnosis Interview-Revised (ADI-R)

·         Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Generic (ADOS-G)

·         Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS)

·         Gilliam Autism Rating Scale-2nd Edition (GARS-2)

“It's important to remember that if your child does receive a diagnosis of autism. He or she is the same child as before the diagnosis. The diagnosis provides access to the services that he needs” (Autism Speaks, 2018).

References:

Screening and Diagnosis. (2018). Retrieved from http://www.autismspeaks.org

Screening and Diagnosis. (2015, February 26). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov