Diagnosis and Tests for Autism

  • Autism
    Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is a complex neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain and, in particular, the processing of social information.  Autism Spectrum Disorder, Autistic Disorder, Asperger's Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
Submitted by PatientsEngage on 21 January 2016

Diagnosing autism 
At present, there is no definitive medical test to identify individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Professionals diagnose autism spectrum disorders through the presence or absence of certain behaviours, characteristic symptoms and developmental delays. ASD is diagnosed through an assessment which includes observing and meeting with the individual, their family and other people who interact with the child. Information is gathered regarding the individual’s strengths and difficulties, particularly in the areas of social interaction and social communication as well as restricted and repetitive interests, activities and behaviours.

There is no single behaviour that indicates ASD. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and can change as the child grows. No two children with ASD are alike. This makes understanding the condition and finding the best therapies difficult.

There are no blood tests that can detect ASD. Developmental pediatricians, psychiatrists and psychologists with experience in assessing individuals with ASD are qualified to make a diagnosis.

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Developmental Challenges
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Autism

Stories

  • Small Talk, Big Struggle
    Linesh, who has Asperger’s Syndrome, writes an interesting, insightful piece on how conversation skills and small talk can sometimes be a big challenge for ‘Aspies’ like himself. Linesh works with children with Autism as a special educator at the Spastic Society of Karnataka. Why do I, like so many other Aspies, find small talk so painfully difficult? For some, the greater problem is a lack of conversational skills. This was definitely the case with me when I was a teenager.…
  • Can Drama Therapy Help People with Autism?
    Linish, who has Asperger’s Syndrome, lauds the Drama for Autism course conducted by Dr. Parasuram Ramamoorthi’s organization, Velvi, and stresses the benefits of theatre for improving social competence in people with autism spectrum disorders. When I was leaving my Drama school without finishing my Masters in Theatre Arts, my Professor Shibu S Kottaram asked, “Why don’t you go and meet Dr. Parasuram Ramamoorthi? He is a well-known theatre person who is working with individuals with Autism. He…
  • Is she like this from birth?
    and other annoying questions that parents of children with disabilities do not want to hear. Ruchika Sethi Takkar, a mother who is raising a daughter with multiple challenges, helps you out by sharing the 13 most awkward questions that she has encountered. She also has a tip. Living with Manavi as her partner, communicator, mood reader, therapist and, aha...yes, mama, I have learnt to be extra perceptive of the world around me. Till 14 years ago, a social interaction with a stranger meant…
  • Accessibility For All at Vaccess Expo
    By  Lakshmi Gopalakrishnan, a Special Educator and Rehabilitation Specialist Vaccess, a two day Expo, represents Vidya Sagar, a Chennai centre for the disabled, and its constant and persistent efforts towards Accessibility for people with disabilities. As the founder Poonam Natarajan put it so crisply, “In the past, this was understood only as the need for physical access. It meant building ramps, railings and pathways for people with visual impairments, special features in toilets,…
  • Overview of Digestive Disorders and Gastrointestinal Diseases
    Endoscopy guru and leading gastroenterologist Dr Vipulroy Rathod’s comprehensive interview on gastrointestinal diseases and cancers makes for an enlightening and interesting read. What is Gastroenterology? Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine focused on the digestive system and its disorders. Diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract, which include the organs from mouth to anus, along the alimentary canal, are the focus of this specialty. Physicians practicing in this field are called…
  • Round up of Autism Awareness Week 2016
    There were so many good articles and infomation that came around Autism Awareness Week 2016. We thought we would pick the few we liked. If you would like to suggest a few more, please add the stories and the links in the comments below. 1. A delightfully made film on two sisters - one neurotypical and one with autism with a twist at the end. Features a communication device and shows the feelings of the person with autism quite nicely. Loved the bubble wrap The Big Date  2. Velvi, the…
  • Children with Autism benefit from Theatre based Program
    International Autism Awareness Day 2016 #autismawareness  Madurai based Velvi is one of the few organisations in the world, and probably the first in India, that has applied techniques of theatre and drama to address issues of autism. Dr Parasuram Ramamoorthi, the chairperson of and brain behind Velvi, shares its remarkable journey. Your organization, Velvi, is an early adopter in India in applying drama to transform the lives of children and adults affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (…
  • There is music in everything I hear
    International Autism Awareness Day 2016 #autismawareness Activist Kavitha Krishnamoorthy, who has pioneered several supportive programs to facilitate children with autism explore their creative selves, relates the magical effect music has on her son, Ananth, who is on the autism spectrum. This article is a  the first in a two-part series on the arts and autism.  I have been truly privileged to be in a position where I could so closely observe the relationship my son Ananth has with…
  • A Spectrum of Vibrant Colours
    International Autism Awareness Day 2016 #autismawareness A significant number of children with autism are gifted artistes and need to be provided the appropriate environment and stimulation to flower. Kavitha Krishnamoorthy, parent, arts facilitator, activist, observer-of-children, shares her insights and learnings in this conclusion of a two-part series article on autism spectrum disorder. As I began observing and working with more children with autism, I realised that what I saw with my son…
  • Mentoring and Empowering Young Adults with Autism
    International Autism Awareness Day 2016 #autismawareness  The Amaze Charitable Trust, born from challenges of raising a child with autism, helps families navigate the autism maze through innovative programmes, social skills, adventure camps and employment opportunities, says its director Akila Vaidyanathan. Could you give us a little background on Amaze Charitable Trust? What was the vision behind Amaze? Autism is a complex disorder; it affects the core areas of communication and social…

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