Generally speaking, there is no one medical test for diagnosing autism. A TEAM of professionals with expertise in autism (e.g. a developmental pediatrician, psychologist or psychiatrist, pediatric neurologist, occupational therapist, speech pathologist) will typically give a diagnosis of autism based on observation of an individual’s communication, behavior, and developmental levels.

Medical tests may be incorporated to rule out other possible DIAGNOSES. People with autism share many symptoms with INDIVIDUALS who have mental retardation, behavior or emotional disorders, problems with hearing, and even people with eccentric personalities. And some of these disabilities and symptoms can co-occur with an autism spectrum DISORDER. Nearly 70 percent of individuals with autism also have mental retardation.

It’s very important for families to get an accurate diagnosis, as early in life as possible, because it GIVES the individual the best foundation for implementing a personalized and effective program for treatment. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends diagnosis as early as eighteen months of age.

Generally speaking, there is no one medical test for diagnosing autism. A team of professionals with expertise in autism (e.g. a developmental pediatrician, psychologist or psychiatrist, pediatric neurologist, occupational therapist, speech pathologist) will typically give a diagnosis of autism based on observation of an individual’s communication, behavior, and developmental levels.

Medical tests may be incorporated to rule out other possible diagnoses. People with autism share many symptoms with individuals who have mental retardation, behavior or emotional disorders, problems with hearing, and even people with eccentric personalities. And some of these disabilities and symptoms can co-occur with an autism spectrum disorder. Nearly 70 percent of individuals with autism also have mental retardation.

It’s very important for families to get an accurate diagnosis, as early in life as possible, because it gives the individual the best foundation for implementing a personalized and effective program for treatment. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends diagnosis as early as eighteen months of age.