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Common Tests For Autism

Common Tests for Autism

Tests that are used to diagnose autism are done in various fields such as psychology, psychiatry, pediatrics, and neurology. Diagnosis is established after observing the child’s behavior and testing the child’s abilities in these fields. Any child should be examined for developmental abilities from birth to the age of three. If a child is detected with some developmental delays or disabilities, the pediatrician should refer the child to a specialist in early Intervention.

There are several early developmental screening tools such as the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) which can be used to evaluate a child’s behavior. M-Chat can be downloaded by parents and used as a general guide, although proper diagnosis should be done by a qualified medical professional. (Robins, Fein, & Barton, 1999)  Some of the behaviors that need to be noticed are:

  • Absence of babbling and making gestures by the age of 12 months
  • Absence of any word utterances by the age of 16 months
  • Absence of two-word unprompted phrases by the age of 24 months
  • Loss of social and language skills at any age

In an effort to determine whether a child has a disorder in the autism spectrum a psychiatrist will likely look at a variety of factors. These might include such things as:

  • Evaluation of the medical history of the child’s mother during her pregnancy
  • Assessment of the developmental milestones
  • Complete physical examination
  • Habits of eating and sleeping
  • Functioning of the stomach and bowels
  • Coordination disabilities
  • Sensory impairments
  • Allergies
  • Any medical diseases
  • History of developmental disorders in the family
  • History of genetic and metabolic disorders in the family
  • Exposure of the child or parents to toxins

Some tests may be done to confirm that the symptoms of the child are not due to other conditions which may seem like autism spectrum disorder, such as genetic or metabolic diseases, mental retardation, and deafness. These tests are:

Chromosomal Analysis
This is performed to test for mental retardation. If there is mental retardation in the child’s family, this test may be conducted. For instance, fragile X syndrome that leads to symptoms of low levels of intelligence may be diagnosed with chromosomal analysis.

Electroencephalograph (EEG)
If there are symptoms of seizures and developmental regression, then an EEG is conducted.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
An MRI is done to detect any structural differences in the brain.

 The diagnosis of autism is primarily based on observations of the child’s behavior. The American Psychiatric Association publishes the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) which establishes the industry-accepted standards for classifying mental disorders including all disorders in the autism spectrum.  In using any tool a medical professional is ultimately comparing the child’s development, behavior, and other symptoms against the classifications in DSM-IV.  A child who has a sibling with autism also needs to be monitored. In addition to the tests, children need to be examined for any delays in language, difficulties in learning, and problems in socializing, and other symptoms that may seem like the child has depression or anxiety.

References:

Robins, D. L., Fein, D., & Barton, M. (1999). M-CHAT. Retrieved March 18, 2011, from M-CHAT: Diana L. Robins, Ph.D.

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Being an RBT for me was extremely fun because where were you going to find a place where you can be completely silly without having to worry what people thought about you? This was the only job that made me feel like I could make a dramatic difference while being myself.

I also liked to be surrounded by people that had the same goals of wanting to help kids and the teamwork made the job much easier and more enjoyable.

Change and progress was the ultimate goal for our kiddos. The early intervention program was seriously only a miracle because I saw changes in the kiddos that from day one, you wouldn’t even recognize who they were.

Changes from being able to utter 3-4 words where they can only make a syllable from when they started, the behavior decreases in which kiddo that used to engage in 30-40 0 self-harm to only half, learning how to wait during games, table work where they use to swipe and drop to the floor if they had to.

My favorite was when the parents would tell us what amazing progress they were making at home. I used to tear up and felt for these parents so much because it was already difficult for them and now, they can trust and rely on ABA and the therapists knowing their goal was ours.

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