Autism Treatment

Diagnosis

Your child’s doctor will look for signs of developmental delays at regular checkups. If your child shows any symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, you’ll likely be referred to a specialist who treats children with autism spectrum disorder, such as a child psychiatrist or psychologist, pediatric neurologist, or developmental pediatrician, for an evaluation.

 

Because autism spectrum disorder varies widely in symptoms and severity, making a diagnosis may be difficult. There isn’t a specific medical test to determine the disorder. Instead, a specialist may:

  • Observe your child and ask how your child’s social interactions, communication skills and behavior have developed and changed over time
  • Give your child tests covering hearing, speech, language, developmental level, and social and behavioral issues
  • Present structured social and communication interactions to your child and score the performance
  • Use the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association
  • Include other specialists in determining a diagnosis
  • Recommend genetic testing to identify whether your child has a genetic disorder such as Rett syndrome or fragile X syndrome

Treatment

No cure exists for autism spectrum disorder, and there is no one-size-fits-all treatment.

Behavior and communication therapies

Educational therapies

Family Theray 

Other Therapy

Medication

What You Can Do

Before your child’s appointment, make a list of:

  • Any medications, including vitamins, herbs and over-the-counter medicines that your child is taking, and their dosages.
  • Any concerns you have about your child’s development and behavior.
  • When your child began talking and reaching developmental milestones. If your child has siblings, also share information about when they reached their milestones.
  • A description of how your child plays and interacts with other children, siblings and parents.
  • Questions to ask your child’s doctor to make the most of your time.