Getting a professional evaluation for autism can mean access to the right support and treatment. Since my project is predominantly focused on the communication of a diagnosis to families, understanding how the process works can be very helpful. Currently, there is no formal medical test that can thoroughly diagnose autism. Instead, specially trained physicians and psychologists administer autism-specific evaluations.
After birth, every child is recommended to be regularly screened for developmental milestones during doctor visits. If a screening or parent raises concerns about the child's development, the doctor refers the child to a specialist who conducts an evaluation.
The Screening Process
The first step of the diagnosis process is a screening. A screening of Autism mainly driven from the parent's response to different questionnaires, and their observation of their child's behaviors.
If a child is of preschool age, then a pediatrician carries out a ‘screening interview’ called a The Modified Checklist of Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT). This does not provide a complete medical diagnosis, but the answers on this questionnaire are a good indicator of whether the child should be further evaluated by a specialist.
Similar screening tools such as the the Screening Tool for Autism in Two-Year-Olds (STAT), and the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) (for children 4 years of age and older) are initially used as well to determine if a complete diagnostic evaluation is required.
Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation
The second stage of diagnosis is a comprehensive evaluation. This helps determine if the the child has ASD or another developmental disorder. It also provides parents a framework for what the child's strengths and needs are, which is important to understand before begining any treatment plan. This evaluation is usually done by a team of professionals that includes a psychologist or psychiatrist, a speech therapist, or other professionals who diagnose children with autism.
A comprehensive evaluation includes a full neurological and genetic assessment, along with cognitive and language testing (speech and language assessment). Specific autism diagnosis assessments are also used such as the Autism Diagnosis Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-G).
The ADI-R is an interview with parents that contains over 100 questions. It focuses on behavior in three main areas: social interaction, communication and language, and restricted and repetitive interests and behaviors. The ADOS-G is an observational measure that allow the examiner to observe the occurrence or non-occurrence of behaviors that have been identified as important to the diagnosis of autism.
Another instrument used by professionals is the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) which is given to kids over the age of two and assess the child’s body movements, adaptation to change, and verbal communication. The examiner observes the child and also obtains relevant information from the parents. The child’s behavior is rated on a scale based on deviation from the typical behavior of children of the same age.
This chart from the CDC provides a breakdown of the process.
After birth, every child is recommended to be regularly screened for developmental milestones during doctor visits. If a screening or parent raises concerns about the child's development, the doctor refers the child to a specialist who conducts an evaluation.
The Screening Process
The first step of the diagnosis process is a screening. A screening of Autism mainly driven from the parent's response to different questionnaires, and their observation of their child's behaviors.
If a child is of preschool age, then a pediatrician carries out a ‘screening interview’ called a The Modified Checklist of Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT). This does not provide a complete medical diagnosis, but the answers on this questionnaire are a good indicator of whether the child should be further evaluated by a specialist.
Similar screening tools such as the the Screening Tool for Autism in Two-Year-Olds (STAT), and the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) (for children 4 years of age and older) are initially used as well to determine if a complete diagnostic evaluation is required.
Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation
The second stage of diagnosis is a comprehensive evaluation. This helps determine if the the child has ASD or another developmental disorder. It also provides parents a framework for what the child's strengths and needs are, which is important to understand before begining any treatment plan. This evaluation is usually done by a team of professionals that includes a psychologist or psychiatrist, a speech therapist, or other professionals who diagnose children with autism.
A comprehensive evaluation includes a full neurological and genetic assessment, along with cognitive and language testing (speech and language assessment). Specific autism diagnosis assessments are also used such as the Autism Diagnosis Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-G).
The ADI-R is an interview with parents that contains over 100 questions. It focuses on behavior in three main areas: social interaction, communication and language, and restricted and repetitive interests and behaviors. The ADOS-G is an observational measure that allow the examiner to observe the occurrence or non-occurrence of behaviors that have been identified as important to the diagnosis of autism.
Another instrument used by professionals is the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) which is given to kids over the age of two and assess the child’s body movements, adaptation to change, and verbal communication. The examiner observes the child and also obtains relevant information from the parents. The child’s behavior is rated on a scale based on deviation from the typical behavior of children of the same age.
This chart from the CDC provides a breakdown of the process.
A diagnosis brings relief to those who have struggled with different behavior difficulties but didn't understand what was causing the challenges. For younger children, it can help determine the earliest intervention possible. A diagnosis can open access to management plans (like therapy) that can improve different skills and ultimately the quality of life.
Good Article on how Autism is diagnosed and family can start early Intervention.
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