We partnered with Dr. Julia Evans at Brain Wellness Institute to create this post to provide helpful information to parents about the autism diagnosis process for young children.
Today the CDC estimates that 1 in 36 children in the U.S. have autism. As autism awareness grows, so does the importance of early diagnosis and intervention.
Early diagnosis and early intervention therapy can significantly improve developmental outcomes for children with autism. Because of this, it is important for parents to understand the signs of autism, the diagnosis process, and the therapy options available for children.
What is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or Autism, is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how a person communicates and interacts with the world around them. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), an autism diagnosis will also have a corresponding support level (level 1, 2, or 3) depending on the type of support an individual will need.
Autism is also a spectrum disorder which means its presentation can vary greatly from one individual to the next, making early diagnosis critical for understanding an individual’s unique needs.
Early Signs of Autism in Children
As a parent, it is important to recognize the early signs of autism. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children be screened for autism at 18 and 24 months.
While every child with autism is unique and may exhibit a wide range of characteristics, according to the Brain Wellness Institute some common indicators of (potential) autism to watch for in young children include:
- Language and Communication Difficulties: Children with autism may experience language delays or difficulties. A person with autism may have a limited vocabulary, exhibit echolalia (repeating words or phrases), or struggle with understanding and using language.
- Social Communication Challenges: Children with autism may have difficulty initiating or maintaining conversations, exhibit limited eye contact, and struggle with understanding non-verbal cues. They may also have difficulty expressing their own thoughts and emotions.
- Repetitive Behaviors and Routines: Children with autism may engage in repetitive behaviors or rituals. They may use repetitive movements, such as hand flapping or rocking, have a strong attachment to specific objects, or insist on following rigid routines.
- Sensory Sensitivities: Children with autism may be hypersensitive or hyposensitive to sensory stimuli, such as sounds, lights, textures, or tastes.
If at any time you have concerns about your child’s development, it is important to discuss those concerns with your child’s pediatrician.
Screening vs Testing for Autism: What’s the difference?
If you are a parent new to autism, as you begin your research you may come across the terms “screening” and “testing.” Understanding the difference between screening and testing can help you navigate your child’s developmental journey and autism more confidently.
Screening is typically the first step toward an autism diagnosis and often takes place during your child’s regular well-child appointments. It usually involves brief questionnaires or checklists that identify whether a child is at risk for autism. The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) is a common screener often used by pediatricians.
If concerns are raised during screening, a more comprehensive diagnostic evaluation (testing) is the next step. Testing involves in-depth assessments conducted by specialists, such as developmental pediatricians, psychologists, or neurologists. The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), are common diagnostic tools used by specialists to “test” for autism.
The Autism Diagnosis Process: How is autism diagnosed?
The autism diagnosis is a complex and nuanced process. Although there is no one single test used to diagnose autism the process typically includes a team of professionals and follows several steps:
- Initial Screening: Your pediatrician will use standardized tools like the M-CHAT to assess how your child is progressing toward certain developmental milestones.
- Referral for Evaluation: If screening raises concerns, your child will be referred to an autism specialist, such as a licensed psychologist for an assessment.
- Comprehensive Assessment: An autism specialist or team of specialists will conduct a comprehensive assessment. This assessment will involve gathering detailed information about your child’s developmental history, conducting behavioral observations, and administering standardized assessments. Your child’s team will also use standardized screening tools and diagnostic instruments to help measure and quantify various aspects of autism, including social communication skills, repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities. Assessments can span multiple sessions over several weeks, and each assessment session may range from one to a few hours, depending on the depth of evaluation required. An important part of the assessment process is to also rule out any other potential explanations for behavior.
- Diagnosis and Plan: Based on the results, the specialist will determine if your child is on the autism spectrum and discuss the next steps, including intervention and other therapy options.
Virtual vs In-Person Assessment
With advancements in telehealth, some autism evaluations can be conducted both virtually and in person. Recent studies have confirmed that not only are virtual assessments an effective alternative to in-person assessments, but many parents, caregivers, and patients also felt comfortable with the telehealth platform and would continue to use telehealth options.
Virtual assessments can be helpful for families that may live in rural areas or not have convenient access to autism specialists. Virtual assessments also may be more cost-effective and beneficial for children with autism who may struggle to leave their homes or in unfamiliar locations.
While virtual assessments can be helpful and have an accuracy rate of 80-91%, there may be some drawbacks. Receiving an in-person assessment provides the specialist an opportunity to assess and observe certain nuanced and subtle behaviors and traits that may be missed virtually.
The Effectiveness of Early Screening for Autism
The sooner autism is detected, the better. Detecting signs of autism early allows for prompt intervention, which can significantly improve a child’s overall development.
Children who receive therapy during critical early development periods are more likely to develop essential social, communication, and cognitive skills. The earlier the intervention, the better the long-term outcome.
It is important for parents to understand however, the timing and severity of the onset of autism symptoms can vary from child to child. While some children may show signs early in infancy, others may experience a regression in their development (often as a toddler), meaning they may lose previously acquired skills.
Autism Intervention and Therapy Options
Once your child is diagnosed with autism, early intervention is key. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is one of the most effective, evidence-based approaches for children with autism. ABA is a widely used, evidence-based therapy that focuses on improving social, communication, and learning skills through positive reinforcement. It can be tailored to the individual needs of the child and can help them develop specific skills by breaking tasks down into manageable steps.
Other therapy options a parent may want to consider include:
- Speech Therapy: Many children with autism experience delays or challenges in speech and language development. Speech therapy can help improve communication skills, whether it’s through verbal speech, sign language, or alternative communication methods like picture boards or speech-generating devices.
- Occupational Therapy (OT): Occupational therapy helps children develop their fine motor, sensory processing, and self-care skills needed for daily activities. OT can work with a child on tasks like handwriting, dressing, and feeding, as well as addressing sensory sensitivities common in children with autism.
- Physical Therapy (PT): Physical therapy can be beneficial for children who experience delays in motor skills or have issues with balance and coordination. PT focuses on improving strength, flexibility, and motor control, helping children navigate their environment with more confidence.
- Social Skills Training (SST): Social skills training focuses on helping children learn to interact appropriately with others. This includes teaching turn-taking, sharing, maintaining conversations, and understanding non-verbal cues like facial expressions and body language.
A comprehensive intervention plan can be created by combining these therapies or selecting the ones that best meet your child’s needs. Early and individualized intervention can help children with autism build essential skills and thrive as they grow.
Conclusion
Early diagnosis and intervention are key to helping children with autism. If your child has already been diagnosed with autism, taking the next step toward therapy can make a world of difference. Reach out to our team (or click here) to learn more about our early intervention therapy services.
If you’re concerned about your child’s development, contact our friends at the Brain Wellness Institute to learn more about autism screening and assessments. They offer both in-person and virtual services.
Together, we can support your child’s growth and development.
And for even more information about autism, diagnosis, and intervention be sure to check out our Parent’s Guide to Autism: Diagnosis to Intervention FAQs.
Brain Wellness Institute (BWI) is an outpatient private practice offering a wide range of psychological and neuropsychological services. BWI’s mission to is provide high quality integrative and comprehensive mental healthcare. With over 65 providers, BWI offers in-person and virtual testing for autism, ADHD, Learning Disabilities, and a wide range of neurological conditions, as well as therapy for adults, children, and couples. Based in California, BWI has office locations in Costa Mesa, Carlsbad, Riverside, Rancho Cucamonga, Santa Monica, and Mountain View.
