Diagnosing Autism

Diagnosing autism and related pervasive developmental disorders is a crucial aspect of getting necessary treatment and interventions. Children are typically diagnosed within the autism spectrum after 18 months of age. However, parents and pediatricians may be able to identify the signs of autism earlier in some cases.

Early Signs

Much research is necessary to determine the best approaches to detecting disorders in the autism spectrum. Parents may note some signs of autism in infants including:

• Lack of eye contact
• Does not turn when name is called
• Does not respond to sights and sounds
• Has exaggerated responses to sights and sounds
• Resists being held
• Does not become distressed when parent leaves
• Does not reach for objects
• Does not grasp objects

The list is not comprehensive and researchers are working toward systematic methods of diagnosing autism as soon as possible by recognizing the early symptoms of autism.

Tests for Diagnosing Autism

Testing for autistic disorders currently relies heavily on parental observation. The Autism Diagnostic Interview is one of the most common methods of detecting conditions in the autism spectrum of disorders.

High Functioning Hurdles

Children and adults with Asperger's syndrome or high functioning autism have relatively mild symptoms that are difficult to detect. Many are not diagnosed until around seven years of age while others never receive a diagnosis at all.

Recognizing the Signs

Early Identification and Intervention in Autism begins with recognizing the signs of autism and related pervasive developmental disorders. Parents should communicate any concerns they have with their child's pediatrician. The Autism symptoms checklist is a wonderful place to start.

Interact

The autism community is growing every day and so are the categories we explore. We strive to provide the latest information available about the process of diagnosing autism and the tests used to detect pervasive developmental disorders. Your input is a very important part of the process. The articles in the Diagnosing Autism category have comment sections. Feedback is welcome and greatly appreciated.

• Preschool Activities for Autistic Children
• Possible Causes of Autism
• Tips for Raising Kids with Autism
• What Is Your Autism Empathy Rating?

• Lesson Plans for Autistic Children
• Adult Autism Symptoms
• Social Skills Activities for Kids with Autism
• Speech Therapy Ideas for Autistic Children
• Famous Autistic People

• Signs of Autism
• Childhood Autism Rating Scale
• Early Symptoms of Autism
• Autism in Infants
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