The Diagnosing Process of Autism explained

Diagnosing Autism

Getting a Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) involves a comprehensive assessment conducted by a team of healthcare professionals, including psychologists, paediatricians, and developmental specialists. The diagnostic process may vary depending on the individual's age. 

Generally includes the following steps:

Initial Screening For Diagnosing Autism

Parents may pick up the first signs of autism when their child stops reaching their milestones of development or is slower than their peers. Diagnosing autism before a child is two years old does not seem as reliable. The child needs to develop more to see the differences. A teacher may pick up signs of autism in the classroom as the child interacts with a broad group of children and a different environment. A referral via a General practitioner (GP) or School can start the process of getting a standardised developmental screening. Paediatricians and other healthcare providers would perform to identify any potential developmental delays or signs of autism.

Comprehensive Assessment

If the initial screening raises concerns about autism or other developmental issues, a more comprehensive assessment is needed. Typically, it involves a thorough evaluation by specialists, such as paediatricians, child psychologists, child psychiatrists, or developmental paediatricians.

Parent/Caregiver Interviews: Healthcare professionals will interview parents or caregivers to gather information about the child's developmental history, including milestones, behaviours, and any concerns or observations. This information helps provide a complete picture of the child's development.

Observations

Professionals will observe the child's behaviour, social interactions, communication skills, and play.  Observations are of the child at home, in schools and a clinical setting.

Standardised Assessments

 The child’s developmental and psychological assessments measured cognitive, language, and social-emotional development. The diagnostic manuals used are the ICD-11 and the DSM-5. These assessments may include tools like the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R). Also, the Developmental, Dimensional Diagnostic Interview (3di) is used as a tool for assessment.   

Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders (DISCO) identifies social and communication issues. Being a ‘Spectrum’ means we are all on a sliding scale of autistic characteristics. A person who seems to be exhibiting autistic traits may be on the ‘Spectrum’ with social and communication challenges, but no repetitive, restrictive, or even sensory issues. We can have all or a mixture. They may have a diagnosis of social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder.  

Medical Evaluation

Medical evaluation to rule out any medical conditions or genetic syndromes that can mimic the symptoms of autism. Genetic testing or other medical assessments may be required.

Collaborative Team Approach

The diagnostic process often involves collaboration among professionals, such as psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and educators, to comprehensively understand the child's strengths and challenges.

Diagnostic Criteria for diagnosing Autism

The assessment process uses diagnostic criteria outlined in diagnostic manuals like the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) or the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10 or ICD-11), which provide specific criteria for diagnosing autism.

Feedback and Diagnosis

 After completing the assessment process, the healthcare team will provide feedback to the parents or caregivers and discuss whether the child meets the criteria for an autism diagnosis. Diagnosis includes further information about the disorder's severity and co-occurring conditions.

After the diagnosis, Autisum support is variable.,

In theory, a treatment plan tailored to the individual's needs and strengths follows a diagnosis. This plan may include various interventions, therapies, and educational supports. An Occupational Therapist assessment to assess your child's sensory needs is a good place to start.

Research local and national support groups, as 'lived' experience from other parents is helpful.