How is the diagnosis of autism made? Are there any special tests my doctor can do to determine whether my child is autistic?
The diagnosis is made by a professional experienced in the evaluation of children with developmental disorders. A qualified professional may be a pediatrician, pediatric neurologist, child psychiatrist, or psychologist. The diagnosis is based on a history of the child’s development provided by those who know the child well, as well as clinical interview/observation of the child. Some professionals may use behavior checklists or other standardized screening instruments to help with diagnosis. There are no blood tests or brain tests (EEG, CAT scan, MRI, PET scan) that conclusively identify the presence of autism. However, your doctor may recommend blood tests or brain tests/scans to rule out the presence of other conditions.
Related Questions
- Answer #1: How is the diagnosis of autism made? Are there special tests my doctor can do to determine whether my child is autistic?
- How is the diagnosis of autism made? Are there any special tests my doctor can do to determine whether my child is autistic?
- How is the diagnosis of autism made? Are there special tests my doctor can do to determine whether my child is autistic?
