| According to the Autism Society of America | | | | more intensive evaluation in the form of |
| (ASA), "autism is defined by a certain set of | | | | developmental surveillance. |
| behaviors and is a 'spectrum disorder' that affects | | | | Developmental surveillance consists of observing a |
| individuals differently and to varying degrees." | | | | child and accurately recording observations |
| So, not only is there no concise definition of this | | | | regarding his development. More information about |
| disorder, there are no hard and fast rules | | | | developmental surveillance is available here. |
| governing the manifestation of the disorder, but | | | | Screening for high-functioning autism or |
| there are screening processes that can help | | | | Asperger's syndrome can be performed on |
| parents help their health care practitioners get an | | | | school-aged children; these disabilities are often |
| earlier diagnoses and earlier treatment. What, | | | | present in the absence of language delays. |
| then, are the ways in which children are tested | | | | Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation |
| for, and diagnosed with, autism? | | | | The next step is for a child to undergo a |
| Screening and Observation | | | | diagnostic evaluation to determine if he has |
| While there is no medical test for detecting | | | | autism. This may consist of a comprehensive |
| autism, The Centers for Disease Control and | | | | developmental history, parent interviews, |
| Prevention states that autism spectrum disorders | | | | psychological evaluations, speech and language |
| can be detected as early as 18 months of age; | | | | evaluation, and possibly genetic, physical, and |
| signs of autism generally manifest themselves | | | | neurological testing. The CDC cautions that, |
| when children are under age three. | | | | because of the complexity of autism, "no single |
| Autism is treatable, and, like other disorder, early | | | | tool should be used as the only basis for |
| detection is key to obtaining timely and effective | | | | diagnosing autism." Diagnostic tools rely on direct |
| treatment. The ASA offers several signs to look | | | | observation of a child as well as information |
| for in children, including "lack of or delay in spoken | | | | reported by a parent or caregiver. |
| language; repetitive use of language and/or motor | | | | What Parents Should Do |
| mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling objects); | | | | Parents should know the developmental |
| little or no eye contact; lack of interest in peer | | | | milestones appropriate to their child's age. The |
| relationships; lack of spontaneous or make-believe | | | | CDC's "Learn the Sign. Act Early" site offers a |
| play; and persistent fixation on parts of objects." | | | | concise overview of what a child should be doing |
| The first place to start is with your child's regular | | | | at ages three months through five years. |
| visits to the pediatrician. Screening can "help | | | | If you suspect your child has a developmental |
| identify children who might have developmental | | | | delay, discuss that with your pediatrician. He or |
| delays," according to the CDC. Screening cannot, | | | | she may refer you to - or you should ask for a |
| however, "give sure evidence of developmental | | | | referral to - a developmental specialist. Knowledge |
| delays, and . . . cannot be used to make a | | | | is power, so be sure to consult the CDC and ASA |
| diagnosis." Developmental screening during a | | | | websites for more information. |
| regular check up will determine if a child needs | | | | |