How is autism diagnosed?

 

There are no medical tests for diagnosing autism. An accurate diagnosis must be based on observation of the individual's communication, behavior, and developmental levels. However, because many of the behaviors associated with autism are shared by other disorders, various medical tests may be ordered to rule out or identify other possible causes of the symptoms being exhibited.

The characteristic behaviors of autism spectrum disorders may or may not be apparent in infancy (18 to 24 months), but usually become obvious during early childhood (24 months to 6 years).  While there is no one behavioral or communications test that can detect autism, several screening instruments have been developed that are now used in diagnosing autism.

When autism is suspected, your child will need to be referred to someone who specializes in diagnosing autism spectrum disorders. This may be a developmental pediatrician, a psychiatrist or psychologist. Other professionals may be included who are better able to observe and test your child in specific areas.

This multidisciplinary assessment team may include some or all of the following professionals. They may also be involved in treatment programs.

·         Developmental pediatrician - Treats health problems of children with developmental delays or handicaps.

·         Child psychiatrist - A medical doctor who may be involved in the initial diagnosis; can prescribe medication and provide help in behavior, emotional adjustment and social relationships

·         Clinical psychologist - Specializes in understanding the nature and impact of developmental disabilities including autism spectrum disorders. May perform psychological and assessment tests and may help with behavior modification and social skills training.

·         Occupational therapist - Focuses on practical, self-help skills that will aid in daily living such as dressing, eating; may work on sensory processing, coordination of movement, and fine motor skills.

·         Physical therapist - Helps to improve the use of bones, muscles, joints, and nerves to develop muscle strength, coordination and motor skills.

·         Speech/language therapist - Involved in the improvement of communication skills including speech and language.

·         Social Worker - May provide counseling services or act as case manager helping to arrange services.

Getting a Referral for a Diagnosis in the Saskatoon Area

□ The first step is to ask your family doctor for a referral to a specialist for assessment regarding a suspicion of an autism spectrum disorder.  The referral should be made to one of the agencies or Doctors listed below depending on the age of the person needing the assessment.

□ Once the agency/doctor receives the referral they will send out forms to the parents or individual to complete.  As soon as these completed forms are returned to them they will place the individual on the wait list and/or schedule an appointment for the assessment.

□ The average waiting time between referral and assessment date is 8 months to one year for both the Kinsmen Children’s Center and the Department of Psychiatry.  The quicker your family doctor can make the referral and the faster you are able to return the completed forms to the appropriate office the faster your assessment can be booked.