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

  • The Importance of Early Intervention
    If your child is behind on the developmental milestones, it is important to act as early as possible. Lakshmi Gopalakrishnan, a Special Educator and Rehabilitation specialist, tells you why and what it involves. Human learning and development is most rapid in the preschool years. This is the time of ‘Maximum Readiness’ and is very important, especially if the child has a delay in development/a disability/high risk of attaining a delay or disability. If the ‘most…
  • Be The Best Advocate For Your Child
    What do you do and where do you start when you get a diagnosis for autism? Hear it from Juhi Ramani, co-founder of I Support Foundation, which offers education for special needs children and the underprivileged.  “I remember all the hard days spent in that small town with people having no knowledge about autism and about what Shivam was going through.” Their brother Shivam’s autism, and the family’s struggle to find the right support for him, inspired Juhi Ramani and…
  • My special child
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  • Autism
    What are Autism Spectrum Disorders Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of complex disorders with three core features: Qualitative impairment in social interaction Qualitative impairment in communication Restricted, repetitive and stereotypic patterns of behaviour, interests and activities. It is a complex neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain and, in particular, the processing of social information. This affects how a person sees and understands the world…
  • A post it with coloured pencils arranged around it and full form of ADHD - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder written on the post it
    Dealing With Tantrums And Hyperactivity of a Child
    Maveen Pereira is a mother of a young adult on the autism spectrum. She tells you what to do when your child seems to be acting out tantrums or seems to be out of control. TANTRUMS: 1.       Be Prepared for one: It is important to know what triggers a tantrum, how long these normally last, how it is manifested (violence to self, violence to others, jumping,…), what would prevent one from happening (e.g. preparing the child for a change in the routine if change…
  • A special journey
    Margaret and her family moved from one continent to another in search of a better life for their autistic son. Here, their life-changing story – a testament to what the right kind of support can make possible. When was your son diagnosed? Brian, who is 19 today, was diagnosed in his 3rd year. We consulted two consultants to confirm the diagnosis, though it was quite obvious.  What were the early signs/symptoms? We adopted Brian when he was 3 weeks old and all his physical…

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