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
Condition
Autism

Stories

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  • Rishi Chowhan a young child with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Autism on a wheelchair with his family standing behind him from Left to Right- his mother, his sister and his father. Picture shows Singapore's Merlion in the background
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  • Kabir Kumtha, a young man with autism wearing a red tshirt standing in front of a table and working with yellow and orange marigold or jhendu, his favourite flower to make torans or garlands
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  • Image description: The team of people with intellectual and development disability who operate Cafe Arpan, a Juhu Mumbai snacks cafe
    We Love Making Cold Coffee and Garam Chai
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  • Image Description: Nivriti on the right in a white kurta and red dupatta tying a rakhi on her autistic brother Nishant's wrist. Nishant is sitting and wearing a blue kurta. Looking over both of them is their father in a mustard kurta and grandmother in a blue sari
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  • Image description: On the left is Pranav an autistic young man in a red shirt, black hair and on the right is his older sister in a black dress talking of their relationship as siblings
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