The first critical step in diagnosing your child's autism is to have your child undergo a series of tests and assessments so as to correctly determine if it is autism.
As of today, there are no medical tests that determine whether or not a child has Autism
Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The medical tests that are recommended are to eliminate other possible diagnoses and to shed a greater light on the areas which the child is showing developmental delay.
The first step is to discuss concerns with your pediatrician. The doctor should then recommend that you have your child see an audiologist, a psychiatrist and a neurologist. Also, all states have an early intervention program for children with developmental delays called the Infant and Toddler Early Intervention Program (ITEIP). These services (including assessments and therapies) are usually free of charge, but require your pediatrician's referral.
- Audiologist: This should probably be one of the first practitioners you go and see because many children with hearing loss will appear as if they are autistic. If you live in a small town (as I do), you may have difficulty finding a pediatric audiologist that will work with children as young as two years-old. Speak with your pediatrician or maybe an ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat). The tests performed are usually audio-grams and tympanograms.
- Psychiatrist: It is important to find a pediatric psychiatrist or psychologist that specializes in children with autism. Your neurologist will probably have some good recommendations. The psychiatrist will assess your child by speaking with you and observing your child. This usually takes about two sessions. They will use a diagnostic checklist, reviewing all areas of development. I personally recommend staying clear of any IQ tests that they want to give your child. Autistic children usually do poorly with IQ tests because they lack social and communication skills. They tend not to be the most cooperative of subjects and despite their difficulties they may be very intelligent.
- Neurologist: The pediatric neurologist will be responsible for reviewing and deciphering the blood work and radiological testing. It is common to have urine and blood work done as well as an MRI and possibly a CAT scan. The radiological testing is done to get a good view of the brain and to rule out any other possible causes of the developmental delay. The labs are to check for metabolic and genetic abnormalities that may include retardation. They may recommend an EEG. This is to detect if the child is having any seizures. About 10% of children with autism have seizures. They will also review the tests and assessments from the other physicians your child sees to finalize the diagnosis.
Words of wisdom to parents: you will be seeing a series of physicians and your child will be having numerous tests and assessments done. As stressful as this can be for both you and your child, it is important that you follow through with all the recommended testing. Primarily, you want to make sure that there is not something else going on (such as hearing loss) and you also want to know the whole diagnostic picture. Find physicians who you are comfortable with and that are good diagnosticians. This is why speaking with others about who their child has seen and doing your research is important. All of this will help you further on down the road as you make critical decisions on which therapies and treatments will best help you child.
