First StepsIn order to determine if your child needs to be tested for autism, you must first know what behaviors to look for. Unusual behaviors that could be signs of autism include:
For more information on the M-CHAT, please visit www.m-chat.org |
Behavioral TestingThere are a variety of behavioral tests that are used to diagnose autism in children. Each test varies slightly, but the overall procedure involves watching how a child behaves in certain situations or reacts to specific interview questions. The authors of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Infants and Toddlers breakdown the steps of autism diagnosis in an easy-to-understand chart:
(Chawarska, Klin & Volkmar, 2008)
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Genetic TestingAutism Spectrum Disorders have shown a strong connection to genetic mutations and variations. Because of this, there are some genetic tests that are used to diagnose autism.
Although genetic testing is a huge field of research for autism, most of the information is far too complex for the average person to understand. Genetic tests are given to every child during the diagnosis process; studies have shown that 10-15% of people with autism have a genetic mutation that can be found through one of these tests. Although they are not the most efficient way of diagnosing a developmental disorder, they can lead to early detection ("Emory genetics laboratory," ). |
Accuracy of Diagnoses
The variety of tests available make it possible for children with autism to be distinguished from children with other developmental disorders by the age of 2 (Chawarska, Klin & Volkmar, 2008). In order to make the distinction, examiners must use multiple sources and observe the child on more than one occasion. Because there is no true scientific test, diagnoses are rarely 100% accurate. Many times, children are misdiagnosed with autism when they actually have a different type of developmental disorder; regardless of a misdiagnosis, early detection leads to early treatment which can lessen the severity of any disorder. Until a cure for autism is found, diagnoses will continue to be hit or miss.