4.SOME DIAGNOSIS OF ASD

Diagnosing ASD can be difficult since there is no medical test, like a blood test, to diagnose the disorders. Doctors look at the child’s behavior and development to make a diagnosis. ASD can sometimes be detected at 18 months or younger. By age 2, a diagnosis by an experienced professional can be considered very reliable. However, many children do not receive a final diagnosis until much older. This delay means that children with ASD might not get the early help they need. Diagnosing an ASD takes two steps 

• Developmental Screening 
• Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation.

DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING

         Developmental screening is a short test to tell if children are learning basic skills when they should, or if they might have delays. During developmental screening the doctor might ask the parent some questions or talk and play with the child during an exam to see how she learns, speaks, behaves, and moves. A delay in any of these areas could be a sign of a problem.All children should be screened for developmental delays and disabilities during regular well-child doctor visits at 9 months, 18 months, 24 or 30 months and Additional screening might be needed if a child is at high risk for developmental problems due to preterm birth, low birth weight or other reasons.

        In addition, all children should be screened specifically for ASD during regular well-child doctor visits at 18 months, 24 months and Additional screening might be needed if a child is at high risk for ASD (e.g., having a sister, brother or other family member with an ASD) or if behaviors sometimes associated with ASD are present.

COMPREHENSIVE DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION

          The second step of diagnosis is a comprehensive evaluation. This thorough review may include looking at the child’s behavior and development and interviewing the parents. It may also include a hearing and vision screening, genetic testing, neurological testing, and other medical testing. Specialists who can do this type of evaluation include Developmental Pediatricians (doctors who have special training in child development and children with special needs), Child Neurologists (doctors who work on the brain, spine, and nerves) and Child Psychologists or Psychiatrists (doctors who know about the human mind).

        Since both the Developmental Screening and Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation need several months to take a treatment for the autism children, by this EAST-AC website the earlier characteristics report of the autism child can be easily gathered by the parent and help them to carry on treatment as early as possible.