How Is Autism Diagnosed?
It would be so much easier if autism spectrum disorder (ASD) could be diagnosed with a blood test or an x-ray, but it’s not that simple.
A diagnosis of ASD is ultimately made based on your description of your child’s development, plus careful observations of certain behaviours by your paediatrician, autism experts, medical tests and your child’s history.
Early diagnosis requires a partnership between parents and paediatricians.
Within this partnership you, as the parent, should feel comfortable bringing up any concerns you have about your child’s behaviour or development—the way he or she plays, learns, speaks and acts. Likewise, your child’s paediatrician’s role in the partnership is to listen and act on your concerns.
During your child’s visits, the paediatrician may ask specific questions or complete a questionnaire about your child’s development. Paediatricians take these steps because they understand the value of early diagnosis and intervention and know where to refer you if concerns are identified. The importance of this partnership cannot be stressed enough.
Why ALL children are screened for autism:
If your child does have autism, an early diagnosis is better because then your child can start receiving the help he or she needs. This is why the Autism Assessment Services (AAS) recommends all children be screened for ASD at their 18- and 24-month well-child check-ups.
Talk with your doctor if you feel your child needs to be screened (regardless of their age) and share your concerns—you know your child the best!
If your child receives an autism diagnosis:
Learning your child has a lifelong developmental disability is difficult. Naturally, you as a parent, other caregivers, and extended family need to grieve about this. You will undoubtedly worry about what the future holds.
Keep in mind during these difficult times that most children with ASD will make significant progress in overall function. Some children with ASD can do exceptionally well and may even remain in a regular education classroom. Many will have meaningful relationships with family and peers and achieve a good level of independence as adults.
It is important to remember that while a diagnosis of autism may change what you thought your parenting experience would be, we now know that children with ASD can achieve so much more in life as long as they are given appropriate support and opportunities.
Further treatment
Children with ASD may have other medical problems that may need further evaluation and treatment. These may include seizures, problems with sleep, gastrointestinal problems (feeding problems, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and behavioral health problems (such as anxiety, ADHD, irritability, and aggression).
