How Autism Screening for Kids Works

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause challenges with communication, social skills, and behavior.

Getting an autism diagnosis for your child can help you better understand their needs and get them the support they need to thrive.

An official diagnosis can open up access to specialized services, therapies, and accommodations at school.

A screening is a short test that looks for signs of autism.

It can also provide a sense of relief and validation for parents who may have had concerns about their child's development.

Lastly, a diagnosis can help parents connect with other families facing similar challenges and find support and resources in their community.

While it can feel scary or overwhelming to have your child evaluated for autism, an official diagnosis is an important first step in helping them reach their full potential.

Screening vs Diagnosing Autism

A screening is a short test that looks for signs of autism.

It can be done by a pediatrician, psychologist, speech language pathologist, occupational therapist, or other professional.

Some screening tests are also available online.

For example, the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised (M-CHAT-R) is a common screening tool for children between 16 and 30 months of age.

It asks a series of questions about the child's behavior and development to identify potential signs of autism.

Different tests are designed for specific age ranges and assess different aspects of the child's development and behavior for that age.

A screening alone cannot diagnose autism, but it can indicate if a full diagnostic evaluation is needed.

In contrast, a diagnostic evaluation is a more in-depth assessment that can officially diagnose autism.

The official criteria is outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, known as the DSM-5.

The DSM-5 is the official guide used by healthcare professionals in the United States to diagnose autism and other mental health conditions.

A screening alone cannot diagnose autism, but it can indicate if a full diagnostic evaluation is needed. In contrast, a diagnostic evaluation is a more in-depth assessment that can officially diagnose autism

It defines autism spectrum disorder as "persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction" and "restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities."

It is done by a team of specialists and looks at the child's behavior and development in detail to determine if they meet the criteria for an autism diagnosis.

Today, it is common to use the autism spectrum wheel to describe a person's different autism symptoms, as opposed to a linear spectrum.

How Autism is Tested in Children

An autism diagnostic evaluation usually includes:

Parent interviews about the child's development, behavior, and family medical history
Direct observation and interaction with the child
Assessment of cognitive and language abilities
Evaluation of adaptive functioning, or daily living skills
Questionnaires and rating scales completed by parents and teachers
Medical tests to rule out other conditions

The evaluation process can take several hours and may be done in one long visit or spread out over a few appointments.

The goal is to get a complete picture of the child's strengths and challenges in order to make an accurate diagnosis.

Who Can Diagnose Children with Autism

Only certain medically qualified professionals can provide an official autism diagnosis, including:

Pediatricians
Psychologists
Psychiatrists
Neurologists
Developmental pediatricians

These professionals have specific training in diagnosing autism and other developmental disabilities.

The diagnostic team may include other professionals that perform different tests during the diagnosis process.

These other professionals may include speech language pathologists and occupational therapists for example.

The diagnostic team may include other professionals that perform different tests during the diagnosis process.

Parents and teachers can also be interviewed as part of the process.

Professionals diagnosing autism also consider the range of manifestations on the spectrum, including high-functioning autism.

Some individuals may have milder symptoms that affect their social interactions and communication skills.

The final diagnosis is provided by a medically trained professional.

How to Get an Autism Evaluation for Your Child

If you are concerned your child may have autism, start by talking to your pediatrician.

Share your specific concerns and observations.

The pediatrician can do an initial screening and then refer you to a specialist for a full diagnostic evaluation if needed.

When choosing a specialist to evaluate your child, look for someone who:

Has experience diagnosing autism in children
Uses gold-standard diagnostic tools
Includes parents as part of the evaluation process
Provides a written report with recommendations

The cost of an autism evaluation can vary depending on your location and insurance coverage.

Many insurance plans cover autism evaluations under their mental/behavioral health benefits.

Check with your insurance provider for details on your specific coverage.

Following an autism diagnosis, children may benefit from Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, which is recognized for its effectiveness in improving social, communication, and learning skills.

When to Get an Autism Evaluation

The earlier autism is diagnosed, the sooner the child can start benefiting from support and services.

Pediatricians often screen for developmental delays and signs of autism during regular well-child visits.

These screenings help identify children who may need further evaluation.

If you are concerned your child may have autism, start by talking to your pediatrician.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends autism screening at 18 and 24 months, along with regular developmental surveillance.

In some cases, a child's teacher or caregiver may be the first to notice signs of autism.

They may suggest that the parents talk to their child's doctor about an evaluation.

As a parent, you know your child best.

Some early signs of autism to look out for include:

Not responding to their name by 12 months
Not pointing at objects to show interest by 14 months
Avoiding eye contact
Having trouble understanding other people's feelings
Delayed speech and language skills
Repeating words or phrases over and over (echolalia)
Giving unrelated answers to questions
Getting upset by minor changes
Obsessive interests
Flapping their hands, rocking their body, or spinning in circles
Unusual and intense reactions to sounds, smells, tastes, textures, lights and/or colors
Behaviors known as stimming - repetitive movements or noises

Trust your instincts as a parent.

If you have concerns about your child's development, don't hesitate to talk to their doctor.

They can perform an initial screening to determine if a more comprehensive autism evaluation is needed.

Trust your instincts as a parent.

If the screening indicates a possibility of autism, the pediatrician will refer you to a specialist for a more in-depth diagnostic evaluation.

Getting answers and support can make a big difference for both you and your child.

Conclusion

Early autism screening and diagnosis is essential for children who may be exhibiting signs of autism spectrum disorder.

The causes of autism are complex and not fully understood, involving a combination of genetic factors and environmental influences that affect brain development.

But you don't need to know the cause in order to diagnose and start therapy that can improve quality of life.

By identifying autism early, children can access the support and interventions necessary to help them thrive.

If you have concerns about your child's development, talk to your pediatrician.

They can guide you through the screening and diagnostic process, which may involve a comprehensive evaluation by a team of specialists.

Remember, an autism diagnosis is the beginning of a new journey.

With the right support, children with autism can learn, grow, and reach their full potential.

Trust your instincts, seek help when needed, and know that you are not alone.