What is Autism

Autism is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. Autistic people may communicate, interact, behave, and learn in ways that are different from most other people. The learning, thinking, and problem-solving abilities of autistic people can range from gifted to seriously challenged. Some autistic people need a lot of help in their daily lives; others need less.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the medical diagnosis for autism. Learn more about autism and how to support families concerned their young child may be autistic here.

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Screening and Diagnosis

Screening is the process of identifying characteristics that may indicate a child may meet criteria for an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis, which is the term medical providers use when making a diagnosis. Screening is usually carried out by people who are not specialists in autism such as pediatricians. Diagnosis is the process of formally evaluating a child and is carried out by developmental pediatricians, neurologists, pediatric neurologists, psychiatrists or psychologists in the state of Washington. Screening and diagnosis of autism typically involve interviews with caregivers, standardized assessments, and direct evaluation of the child.

Developmental Screening

A common screening tool for children ages 18-30 months is the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-Chat) see M-Chat. This is often administered during well-child visits to identify early signs of ASD and assess social communication skills, repetitive behaviors, and developmental milestones.

Diagnostic Evaluation

If a child or individual shows potential signs of autism during screening or if caregiver or provider concerns are raised, a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation is conducted. This involves a thorough assessment of medical history, behavior, and development.

This may include observing social interactions, communication abilities, behavior patterns, and sensory sensitivities.

Diagnostic Criteria

The evaluation process follows established diagnostic criteria, typically those outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). These criteria help professionals determine if an individual meets the necessary criteria for an ASD diagnosis.

Parent and Caregiver Input

The input and observations of parents and primary caregivers are crucial in the diagnostic process. They provide valuable insights into individuals’ behavior, developmental history, and social interactions, aiding in forming an accurate diagnosis.

Differential Diagnosis

Professionals consider other factors that may contribute to the individual’s characteristics, ruling out alternative explanations. It is essential to differentiate autism from other developmental disorders or medical conditions that may present similar characteristics.

Diagnostic Report and Feedback:

Based on the assessment outcomes, a diagnostic report is generated, detailing the findings and whether the individual meets the criteria for an ASD diagnosis. Professionals may explain the results to the individual or their parents/caregivers, providing information, support, and guidance on intervention options.

Process Overview

Overview

Autism (Autism spectrum disorder; ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. Scientists do not know yet exactly what causes these differences for most autistic people. However, some autistic people have a known difference, such as a genetic condition. There are multiple causes of autism, although most individuals do not know the cause of their specific characteristics.

Key Facts

Occurs in all ethnic, socioeconomic, and age groups
Ranges from very mild to very severe — it is a spectrum
Begins differently for different children
Some children develop differently from the first year; others appear neurotypical until ages 2–3
Multiple causes exist; most individuals do not know the cause of their specific characteristics

Unusual Interests and Behaviors

Repetitive motor mannerisms like hand flapping, rocking, or spinning in circles often are a clear flag for autism in preschool aged children and older individuals. However, more subtle cues are having interests that are unusually intense or atypical for that age group. Some autistic people need things to happen in the same order every time. Sensory interests or aversions (sound, touch, or visual interests) are characteristics of many autistic people.

Different Communication Skills

Autistic people have different communication skills. Some people can speak well. Others can’t speak at all or only very little. Some autistic children do not talk at all but with high-quality support most autistic children can develop the ability to communicate. Some autistic children have their first words at 12 to 18 months of age and then lose them. Others might speak, but not until later in childhood.

Social Issues

Social issues are one of the most common symptoms in all of the types of autism. Autistic people do not have just social “difficulties” like shyness. The social issues they have cause serious problems in everyday life.

Development in Autism

Autistic children develop at different rates in different areas. Some autistic people have an intellectual disability, but others can be intellectually gifted. There may be delays in language, social, and learning skills, while their ability to walk and move around can be the same as other children their age. They might be very good at putting puzzles together or solving computer problems, but they might have trouble with social activities like talking or making friends. Autistic children might also learn a hard skill before they learn an easy one. Autistic strengths are beginning to be identified more regularly thanks to the neurodiversity movement.

Characteristics and Signs

Autism is characterized by social communication impairments, restricted interests, repetitive behaviors, and/or sensory alterations. Because autism is a spectrum, it can range from very mild to very severe. Autism occurs in all ethnic, socioeconomic and age groups. Autism begins differently for different children. Some children develop differently starting in the first year of life but others appear neurotypical until 2-3 years of age.

The behaviors of autism spectrum disorder may be apparent in infancy, but they usually become clearer during early childhood. As part of a well-baby or well-child visit, your child’s doctor should perform a “developmental screening” and encourage you to ask specific questions about your child’s development progress... READ MORE