How is Autism Diagnosed?

When a child does not pass an autism screening or any time a parent expresses concerns about autism, the next step should be a referral for a formal evaluation to confirm or rule out autism. Diagnosing autism, however, can be a complex process that might involve professionals from several specialties, including developmental pediatricians, therapists, neurologists, psychiatrists, or psychologists.

Although most of these professionals can technically make a diagnosis on their own, a multidisciplinary approach is an ideal way to arrive at a diagnosis. A team approach allows a variety of professionals to interact with a child and evaluate multiple factors that are associated with autism. The team of specialists usually includes:

• A developmental pediatrician, neurologist, and/or psychiatrist conduct medical tests and exams
• A psychologist conducts behavioral assessments and evaluates cognitive functioning
• A speech-language pathologist assesses the receptive and expressive language and social communication skills
• An occupational therapist assesses fine motor skills, sensory challenges, and a child’s interactions with his or her environment

There is no specific medical test, such as a blood test or brain scan, which can diagnose autism. Instead, doctors conduct the following exams and tests to rule out other diagnoses and identify related medical conditions:

• Complete health history of child and family
• Thorough physical exam and in some cases a neurologic exam
• Hearing test

In some cases, a blood test to check for elevated lead levels as well as genetic or metabolic abnormalities

In some cases, electroencephalogram (EEG)

Behavioral assessments should include:

• History of developmental milestones and behavior
• Testing that looks at the overall developmental status and/or intelligence in comparison to social skills

A standardized assessment tool that is specific to autism spectrum disorder. Such tools are often in the form of questionnaires and rely on parent input. Parents have an important part in helping to make an accurate diagnosis.

Direct clinical observation of the child in various situations

All of these findings, coupled with the results from speech-language and occupational therapists’ evaluations, are used to compile a profile of the child’s behavior. If this profile fits the criteria for autism as defined in the DSM-5, a diagnosis of autism is given.

Accurate and timely diagnosis of autism is vital to ensure access to early intervention services and hopefully achieve positive results.

Sources:

• Autism Society
• Autism Diagnosis.
  Committee on Children With Disabilities
• Technical report: the pediatrician’s role in the diagnosis and management of autistic spectrum disorder in children
• Pediatrics
• 2001 May;107(5):E85.
  National Institutes of Health
• How Is Autism Diagnosed?

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