ASD is called a "spectrum" disorder because people with ASD can have a range of strengths and challenges, and need more or less support for those challenges. ASD includes what the American Psychiatric Association used to call autistic disorder, Asperger syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified. People with ASD may communicate and interact in ways that are different from most other people. Click here for more information on Early Intervention.Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability. If your child is young and you suspect there might be something wrong, immediately seek early intervention services for your child. Child Psychologists or Psychiatrists (doctors who know about the human mind).Child Neurologists (doctors who work on the brain, spine, and nerves).Developmental Pediatricians (doctors who have special training in child development and children with special needs).Specialists who can do this type of evaluation include: In some cases, the primary care doctor might choose to refer the child and family to a specialist for further assessment and diagnosis. It may also include a hearing and vision screening, genetic testing, neurological testing, and other medical testing. This thorough review may include looking at the child’s behavior and development and interviewing the parents. The second step of diagnosis is a comprehensive evaluation. If the doctor sees any signs of a problem, a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation is needed. If your child’s doctor does not routinely check your child with this type of developmental screening test, ask that it be done. A delay in any of these areas could be a sign of a problem.Īll children should be screened for developmental delays and disabilities during regular well-child doctor visits at:Īdditional screening might be needed if a child is at high risk for developmental delays due to preterm birth, low birth weight, having a sibling with ASD or if behaviors associated with ASDs are present. During developmental screening the doctor might ask the parent some questions or talk and play with the child during an exam to see how she learns, speaks, behaves, and moves. ĭevelopmental screening is a short test to tell if children are learning basic skills when they should, or if they might have delays. If you and your physician agree that further screening is needed, you can request a free developmental assessment through your State Department of Health.įor more information on M-CHAT-R, visit. The M-CHAT-R/F, one of the AAP recommended tools, can be administered at these well-child visits. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children receive autism-specific screening at 18 and 24 months of age, in addition to broad developmental screening at 9, 18, and 24 months. The M-CHAT-R/F is an autism screening tool designed to identify children 16 to 30 months of age who should receive a more thorough assessment for possible early signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or developmental delay. The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-Up (M-CHAT-R/F Robins, Fein, & Barton, 2009) is a 2-stage parent-report screening tool to assess risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Lack of fear or more fear than expected.Have extreme anxiety and phobias, as well as unusual phobias.Reverse pronouns (e.g., says “you” instead of “I”).Demonstrate little safety or danger awareness.Have unusual reactions (over or under-sensitivity) to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel.Flap their hands, rock their body, or spin in circles.Repeat words or phrases over and over (echolalia).Have difficulty understanding, or showing understanding, or other people’s feelings or their own.Not point at objects or things of interest, or demonstrate interest.Not respond to their name (the child may appear deaf).This is called the regressive type of autism. Some children with autism appear normal before age 1 or 2 and then suddenly “regress” and lose language or social skills they had previously gained. ![]() Males are four times more likely to have autism than females. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by:īecause Autism is a spectrum disorder, it can range from very mild to very severe and occur in all ethnic, socioeconomic and age groups.
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