Did you know? Research has found that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can, at times, be detected at 18 months or younger. Additionally, research has shown that by age two, a diagnosis by an experienced professional can be considered reliable. Still, many children do not receive a diagnosis till they are older, resulting in critical time that a child with developmental delays may not be getting treatment services. The earlier an ASD diagnosis is provided, the sooner treatment services can begin.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children be screened for developmental delays and disabilities during regular doctor visits at:
- 9 months
- 18 months
- 30 months
Additionally, all children should be screened particularly for ASD during regular doctor visits at:
- 18 months
- 24 months
Doctors should screen all children for developmental delays, but especially to monitor those who are at a higher risk for developmental problems due to preterm birth, low birth weight, or having a sibling or parent with an ASD.
Before formally getting tested for ASD, a screening tool may be administered by a professional or filled out by a family member to identify possible developmental delays. Screening tools can be specific to a disorder (for example, autism) or an area (for example, cognitive development, language, or gross motor skills), or they may be general, encompassing multiple areas of concern. Screening tools do not provide conclusive evidence of developmental delays and do not result in diagnoses. A positive screening result should be followed by a thorough diagnostic test.
Following a screening, your primary care provider might choose to refer your child to a specialist for further assessment and diagnosis. Such specialists include neurodevelopmental pediatricians, developmental-behavioral pediatricians, child neurologists, geneticists, and early intervention programs that provide assessment services.
Diagnostic Tests
There are many tests to assess ASD in young children. Diagnostic tests usually rely on two main sources of information—parents’ or caregivers’ descriptions of their child’s development and a professional’s observation of the child’s behavior.
Some examples of diagnostic tests include:
- Autism Diagnosis Interview – Revised (ADI-R) A clinical diagnostic instrument for assessing autism in children and adults. The instrument focuses on behavior in three main areas: reciprocal social interaction; communication and language; and restricted and repetitive, stereotyped interests and behaviors. The ADI-R is appropriate for children and adults with mental ages about 18 months and above.
- Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – (ADOS-G) A semi-structured, standardized assessment of social interaction, communication, play, and imaginative use of materials for individuals suspected of having ASD. The observational schedule consists of four 30-minute modules, each designed to be administered to different individuals according to their level of expressive language.
- Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) This brief assessment is suitable for use with any child over two years of age. The CARS includes items drawn from five prominent systems for diagnosing autism; each item covers a particular characteristic, ability, or behavior.
- Gilliam Autism Rating Scale – Second Edition (GARS-2) Assists teachers, parents, and clinicians in identifying and diagnosing autism in individuals ages 3 through 22. It also helps estimate the severity of the child’s disorder.
Reference
Screening and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder for healthcare providers. (2020, February 11). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/hcp-screening.html