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Autism Diagnosis

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There are no medical tests for diagnosing a child with autism. A correct diagnosis must be determined through observation of the child’s behavior, communication, and developmental levels. There are, however, several different disorders that share the same symptoms autism exhibits. Because of this an assortment of medical tests may be required in order to rule out other disorders that may be causing the symptoms. It is essential to have an accurate diagnosis of autism as it will secure the foundation for building a correct and effective treatment plan. Early diagnosis of autism has been shown to dramatically improve a child’s therapeutic outcome.

An autism diagnosis is dependent upon a specified number of characteristics listed in the DSM-IV (Diagnostic And Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) being met. The following conditions must be present:

1. Qualitative impairments in social relations, as evidenced by at least two of the following:
(a) Noticeable impairment in the operation of several nonverbal behaviors (i.e. body postures, gestures, eye-to-eye contact) to normalize social relations
(b) A lack of spontaneous effort to share pleasure and accomplishments with other people
(c) Failure to cultivate peer relationships suitable to developmental level

2. Qualitative impairments in communication as evidenced by at least one of the following:
(a) Either a total deficiency in the development of spoken language or a delay in communication that is appropriate to developmental level
(b) Repetitive use of language
(c) In children with ample speech, noticeable impairment in the ability to carry on conversation with others
(d) Lack of spontaneous make believe play that is fitting to developmental level

3. Restricted recurring and stereotyped patterns of behavior and actions, as evidenced by at least one of the following:
(a) Presents with unyielding observance to particular nonfunctional routines or rituals
(b) Constant fixation with parts of objects
(c) Encompassing fixation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is atypical either in intensity or concentration
(d) Repetitive motor mannerisms
In addition to the following criteria, the child must also evidence delays in at least one of the following areas: social relations, communication, or play. This abnormal functioning must have begun prior to age 3.

A child is normally diagnosed with autism between the ages of 3 and 5. About 40% of children diagnosed with autism are labeled high functioning autistic. These children typically evidence some odd behaviors and have few friends. However, with some proper therapy, many of the autism symptoms evidenced by the child can be so improved upon that it may even be hard to know that the child has autism.

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