![]() ![]() A speech-language pathologist-a health professional who has special training in communication difficulties.A neuropsychologist-a doctor who focuses on evaluating, diagnosing, and treating neurological, medical, and neurodevelopmental disorders.A child psychologist and/or child psychiatrist-a doctor who has specialized training in brain development and behavior.A developmental pediatrician-a doctor who has special training in child development.This second evaluation is with a team of doctors and other health professionals who are experienced in diagnosing ASD. Read more about screening instruments on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.Ĭhildren who show developmental problems during this screening process will be referred for a second stage of evaluation. Sometimes the doctor will ask parents questions about the child’s behaviors and combine those answers with information from ASD screening tools, and with his or her observations of the child. Parents’ experiences and concerns are very important in the screening process for young children. Those at high risk include children who have a family member with ASD, have some ASD behaviors, have older parents, have certain genetic conditions, or who were born at a very low birth weight. Additional screening might be needed if a child is at high risk for ASD or developmental problems. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children be screened for developmental delays at their 9-, 18-, and 24- or 30-month well-child visits and specifically for autism at their 18- and 24-month well-child visits. Stage 1: General Developmental Screening During Well-Child CheckupsĮvery child should receive well-child check-ups with a pediatrician or an early childhood health care provider. Diagnosis in Young Childrenĭiagnosis in young children is often a two-stage process. It is important for those with concerns to seek out assessment as soon as possible so that a diagnosis can be made, and treatment can begin. ASD can usually be reliably diagnosed by the age of two. Excelling in math, science, music, or artĭoctors diagnose ASD by looking at a person’s behavior and development.Being strong visual and auditory learners.Being able to learn things in detail and remember information for long periods of time.Although people with ASD experience many challenges, they may also have many strengths, including: People with ASD may also experience sleep problems and irritability. Being more or less sensitive than other people to sensory input, such as light, noise, clothing, or temperature.Getting upset by slight changes in a routine. ![]() Having overly focused interests, such as with moving objects or parts of objects.Having a lasting intense interest in certain topics, such as numbers, details, or facts.For example, repeating words or phrases, a behavior called echolalia Repeating certain behaviors or having unusual behaviors.Restrictive / repetitive behaviors may include: Having trouble understanding another person’s point of view or being unable to predict or understand other people’s actions.Having an unusual tone of voice that may sound sing-song or flat and robot-like.Having facial expressions, movements, and gestures that do not match what is being said.Often talking at length about a favorite subject without noticing that others are not interested or without giving others a chance to respond.Having difficulties with the back and forth of conversation.Failing to, or being slow to, respond to someone calling their name or to other verbal attempts to gain attention.Rarely sharing enjoyment of objects or activities by pointing or showing things to others.Tending not to look at or listen to people.Making little or inconsistent eye contact.Social communication / interaction behaviors may include: Not all people with ASD will show all behaviors, but most will show several. The list below gives some examples of the types of behaviors that are seen in people diagnosed with ASD. People with ASD have difficulty with social communication and interaction, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors.
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