health

The diagnosis of autism is complex; there is no single diagnostic test for
the disorder. In many cases the parents start noticing problems in the
child’s speech and interactions with them when the child is between fourteen
and eighteen months old. The diagnosis may not be made, however,
until the child is two to three years of age because of the number of evaluations
that may be needed. It usually takes a team of experts in child
development to make the diagnosis, including a psychiatrist, a neurologist,
a speech therapist, and a pediatrician, all of whom should have specific
experience in evaluating and treating children with autism. There are
several checklists and screeners for symptoms of autism that these health
care professionals may use. In addition, they may order imaging studies, a
hearing test, or (in a few cases) a blood test to rule out other possible
causes of the child’s behaviors.
Even though the diagnosis of autism can be complicated, it is important
for parents to have their child evaluated as soon as they notice indications
that the child may be autistic. The reason for early evaluation is
that it improves the child’s chances of making good progress in therapy.
Studies have shown that children who begin treatment at or before age
three do better than those diagnosed and treated later.