Diagnosis of Autism
Main Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Living With Autism | Resource Guide
Autism is difficult to diagnosis. When the diagnosis is made, it can be heartbreaking to parents. Denial is the first response, and it may go on for so long that appropriate treatment is delayed, sometimes to the detriment of the child.
Parents are usually the first to suspect something is wrong. A previously normal child will suddenly act odd. Language development may stop or regress; social reactions may become inappropriate or disappear altogether. Or, bizarre behavior may appear, such as tantrums or obsessive repetition. Such symptoms should be mentioned at routine doctor visits, where they will be explored to determine if they warrant referral to a specialist.
Professionals who specialize in autism—child psychiatrists, child psychologists, developmental pediatricians, and pediatric neurologists—will observe the child's behavior, social contacts, and communication skills. They will assess mental and social skills and develop a detailed history of the child's behavior. Some doctors ask parents to bring in videotapes of the child at home. Photo albums and other records may help in identifying time sequences.
If autism is suspected, other tests may include:
- Psychological tests
- IQ tests
-
Medical tests to investigate other related conditions. These tests may include the following:
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- DNA and chromosome testing
- Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Psychological Tests
A variety of age-appropriate questionnaires and skill tests compare a child's abilities and responses to standards established by testing thousands of "normal" children. Some test motor skills, like stacking blocks. Some test visual and coordination skills. Some compare daily activities with others of the same age.
IQ Tests
These are comparative evaluations of individuals at the same age with respect to age-appropriate intellectual skills, like pattern recognition and problem solving. An IQ is the ratio of the child's calendar age to his intellectual "age"—the average performance of others at a given age. For example, if a 5-year-old child performs like a 10-year old, his IQ would be 200.
Blood and Urine Tests
Thousands of tests evaluate physical health. Some are done routinely, like a blood count and urinalysis. Others types of blood and urine tests are done only rarely for unusual conditions. Your doctor will select all that are appropriate.
DNA and Chromosome Testing
Genetic disorders are detected by looking at your genes. Certain genetic disorders are associated with autism, like tuberous sclerosis and fragile X syndrome .
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
This is a test that records the brain's activity by measuring electrical currents through the brain. Abnormalities may indicate a seizure disorder , which is commonly associated with autism.
References:
Autism spectrum disorders (pervasive developmental disorders). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) website. Available at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-pervasive-developmental-disorders/index.shtml . Updated April 2008. Accessed September 11, 2008.
Autistic disorder. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Updated July 2008. Accessed September 11, 2008.
Behrman RE, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics . 18th ed. Philadelphia: Saunders, 2007.
Goetz, CG. Goetz’s Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Saunders, 2007.
Jacobson JL, Jacobson AM. Psychiatric Secrets . 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Hanley & Belfus, 2001.
Stern TA, et al. Massachusetts General Hospital Comprehensive Clinical Psychiatry . 1st ed. Philadelphia: Mosby Elsevier, 2008.
Last reviewed December 2009 by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.