Autism is diagnosed by observing a child’s behavior. There are several well-known diagnostic tools that are used to diagnose or confirm a diagnosis of autism. For example, The Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale (ADOS) and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS-2). In addition, The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) provides standardized criteria to help diagnose ASD and determine the level of support needed.
The broad criteria listed in the DSM-V are summarized below:
Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts.
Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.
Symptoms must be present in the early developmental period.
Symptoms cause clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of current functioning.
These disturbances are not better explained by intellectual disability (intellectual developmental disorder) or global developmental delay.
Autism is considered to be a spectrum disorder; some individuals with autism may also have an intellectual disability, while others are only mildly affected. Although ASD, in most cases, is a life-long disability, early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) can result in significant progress, leading to successful, independent participation in learning, social, and community activities.
If you are concerned about your child’s development, schedule a diagnostic evaluation with our team.
