Diagnosis of Autism

It can be hard to get a definite diagnosis of autism. Your doctor will focus on behavior and development. The statistics from South Asia estimate that there may be 350,000 children with autism in Pakistan. Unfortunately, most of these children remain undiagnosed due to the lack of awareness and expertise in diagnosis.

For children, the diagnosis of Autism usually takes two steps.

1. A developmental screening will tell your doctor whether your child is on track with basic skills. These skills include learning, speaking, behavior, and moving. Experts suggest that children be screened for these developmental delays during their regular checkups at 9 months, 18 months, and 24 or 30 months of age. 
2. If your child shows signs of a problem on these screenings, they’ll need a more complete evaluation. This might include hearing and vision tests or genetic tests. Your doctor might want to bring in someone who specializes in autism disorders, like a developmental pediatrician or a child psychologist. Some psychologists can also give a test called the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS).

There are many differences between a medical diagnosis and an educational determination, or school evaluation, of a disability. A brief observation in a single setting cannot present a true picture of someone’s abilities and behaviors. The person’s developmental history and input from parents, caregivers, and/or teachers are important components of an accurate diagnosis.