Diagnosis

Considered one of the major brain development disorder, autism is a potential danger for many children across the world. Autism impairs social dealings and communication, and causes limited and recurring behavior, all at a very young age. This bunch of signs actually determines autism from milder autism spectrum disorders (ASD) such as Asperger syndrome. Diagnosis of the disorder is very important before commencing on the treatment procedures.

Diagnosis for autism is based on the behavior of the individual and definitely does not depend on the cause and the mechanism. Defined in the DSM-IV-TR, autism exhibits at least a total of six symptoms in all. This includes at least two symptoms of impairment of interaction in the social circle, at least one symptom of constrained and monotonous behavior. Some of the sample symptoms also include lack of social or even emotional reactions, dull and repetitive use of language or distinctive language, and unrelenting fixation with any object parts.

The diagnosis for autism is recommended as early as the age of three years. Noticing the delays or abnormal functioning of the child in the social circle while interaction, or when language is used in social communication, or symbolic or imaginative play is very important and may be attributed as the stage of screening prior to diagnosis.

For the purpose of diagnosis, several diagnostic instruments are available. The two most commonly used in autism research are: Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) which is a semi well thought-out parent interview Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) which uses the observation and interaction with the child. Another method, Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) is used extensively in clinics to evaluate the severity of autism by observing the concerned child or children.

A physician usually performs an opening investigation by taking down the facts related with developmental history besides examining the child physically. If necessary, diagnosis and evaluations are also conducted often aided by ASD specialists, which includes observing and assessing cognitive, communication, family, and other factors using uniform tools. It is to be also noted that associated medical conditions are also taken into consideration.

Some of the major problems that need mention in autism are the problem of under diagnosis and over diagnosis found in some cases. It also needs to be acknowledged that the recent increase in the number of reported ASD cases is due to changes in practices for diagnosis. The growing popularity of drug treatment options and the extension of benefits have given many providers a chance for the diagnosis of ASD which led to the over diagnosis of children with uncertain symptoms in some cases. On the other hand, the rate of screening and diagnosis and the test of obtaining payment can restrain or delay the diagnosis procedure.

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