Is there any way doctors can test a child for autism?

Question

Can doctors test for autism? Do they just go by the signs or what? Do anyone have any experience in an autistic child? I really need some information here. Can you please help me out?

Answer 1

They cannot test for Autism other than behavioral observation and even then it's missed often b/c of so many types and degrees. It's very difficult to diagnose before the age of 3 b/c toddlers are notorious for going through "phases" and it can be mistaken for a phase. They believe it is genetic(b/c it runs in families) but they haven't been able to identify the gene that causes it. Here is a great site and you can contact the National Autism Association for info....http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/index.php
There was a great piece on 60 min with Leslie Stahl a few weeks ago and you can watch the video segments on the website...
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/02/15/60minutes/main2483414.shtml?source=search_story

I hope this helps!

Answer 2

Doctors can run various tests to make a decision if a child is autistic or not. There are many different types of autism also. Children can start to be tested for autism is at three years old.

Answer 3

Please look at the links below. Check your area for a hospital or doctor where tests can be done. You definitely get a feeling that something is wrong when you deal with a child with Autism. As a mom if you have a feeling that there might be signs please get to a doctor as soon as possible, as early intervention is the best thing that we can do for these children. There might not be anything wrong, just a delay. I know I'd rather be safe and have the doctor tell me that there is nothing wrong than ignore the signs that might point to autism. I wish you the best.

http://autismspeaks.com
http://www.autism.org/overview.html
http://www.autism.net.au/Autism_Diagnosis.htm

Answer 4

Yes - there are several standardized tests a developmental pediatrician or nuerologist can do to determine if your child falls on the spectrum for autism (my son is 4 now, was diagnosed back when he was two). I would ask your pediatrician for a referral to this kind of a doctor, and then go from there. Once you have a diagnosis, you'll know what types of therapy will work best for your child. Good luck!

Answer 5

There are no medical tests yet. So far it is observation and parental concern that bring the child in usually and a Specialist to diagnose. We have done the CARS(Childhood Autism Rating Scale) and a child development inventory profile on our son. It was the profile and the fact his skills are all over that got us a diagnosis. The profile we did was 300 yes and no scan tron questions. It takes 1-2 hrs to complete and is redone every 6 months if there is a diagnosis.

Answer 6

Awesome question... dealing with issues like this is not always cut and dry... but it does take some courage to question if a child might... and strength to go forward and face it....

do not know which tests they can or do as a "given" I never saw the dr. actually do much other than watch my son... he was only two though... and the dr. felt he did not have autism.. but... when I saw your question and started going over in my mind what tests did they do? any? how did they determine he is not autistic, even mildly? I went searching and looking for some information... I have some sites that might give some answers..

this first is a webpage that puts you to a healthline list of websites regarding, symptoms, tests and treatments for autism;

http://www.healthline.com/search?q1=tests%20for%20autism&utm_source=articles&utm_medium=google&utm_campaign=serp&utm_term=tests%20for%20autism

this next one is about autism... states here there are no madical tests for autism... does go on with what appears to be symptoms/signs that it might be a diagnosis;

http://www.bsu.edu/web/srneff/autism.html

this site is about screening for autism in toddlers and such and more info as well;

http://www.health.state.ny.us/community/infants_children/early_intervention/autism/screenin.htm

thank you for taking time from your schedule for this
hope I have been of assistance
good luck

Answer 7

There are many diagnostic tests for Autism. A common one that comes to mind is called the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). A diagnosis of autism is made by a professional by observing the child's behavior and by obtaining a developmental history from the child's parent's or guardians. People with autism are very frequently mis-diagnosed, although these days, there is greater awareness of the condition.

Regarding having a child with autism, although it is challenging I'm certain (but raising any child is as well), they can be some of the most loving, creative, logical, and delightful children! I am a special education teacher, and the students that I have had in my class with autism have made teaching very exciting and joyful.


The following articles may also be helpful.

"The Discovery of "Aspie" Criteria" ~ What if Asperger’s Syndrome was defined by its strengths? - http://www.thegraycenter.org/sectionsdet...

"Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew" by Ellen Notbohm - http://www.southflorida.com/sfparenting/...

Website of Paula Kluth, Ph.D. - http://www.paulakluth.com/autism.html...

Positively Autism (free online magazine, includes free resources/activities) - http://www.positivelyautism.com...

Teaching Tips for Children and Adults with Autism by Temple Grandin, Ph.D. - http://www.autism.org/temple/tips.html...

Answer 8

Start with the pediatrician, if they have cause for concern as well they will give you referrals...My daughter has been through blood tests to rule out other specific syndromes and disorders, she has had MRI's, behavioral therapy (with multiple doctors) medications (we have tried four so far that haven't worked), attends special ed. school, etc. You may have a long road ahead of you to get diagnosis and treatment, but if your child is autistic there are numerous helps available to you. One that comes to mind is the Autism Society,,,they have a chapter in most major cities...there is one in my city. They are a wealth of information, and also you can chat with other parents who are going through the same things you are. It's a great support group. Check them out online and read all of their (very helpful) info...

Answer 9

I worked with kids with disabilities for a long time. There isn't a test like there is for the flu, the diagnosis is based on symptoms and observation. The doctor or the local school district can screen your child for autism. To check yourself, try autism on the web, there are a lot of sites, I like

www.autismspeaks.org

Answer 10

Psychologists can and do test for autism, but I don't know what tests are done. Go to [e-mail]. There is a news anchor, Tracy Rowlett, who has an autistic child. If you state your reasoning for wanting to know about autism, though it may have to be brief due to deadlines and air scheduling, he may give you some information or other places for research for the problem. Good luck!