Autism Diagnosis

The earlier autism is diagnosed and recognized, the earlier it is possible to treat the autistic child. Diagnosis of autism is usually made by the age of 3, where the symptoms of autism will have been exhibited.

Earlier diagnosis very often improves the chances for a better outcome for patients in treatment.

Diagnosis includes the following:

* Physical examination (may include neurological examination)
* Medical history (includes family history, birth history, and early development)
* Medical tests (to rule out other conditions)

Since autism is related to difficult communication and speaking skills, doctors use various screening tools to evaluate development, communication and language skills, and interaction with others.

The history of the child’s development would be traced as far back as at the age of 12 months eg. Did the child babble, point, wave, and grasp objects by age of 1 year?. Doctors will also observe the child closely during the diagnosis period and subsequent visits. It is by tracing out the child’s past development history that doctors can identify significant characteristics to confirm a diagnosis.