Diagnosing Autism in Children

Though most children and families find out aboutexplain the lack of response to noises and other
autism before the child reaches the age of four,people. It would also explain why they are not
there are some that are diagnosed as early astalking, or are saying very little.
age one. Some children with Asperger's, is aA doctor might also want to do some testing to
higher functioning form of the condition, may notlook for genetic problems that can explain the
know something is different until they startdelays in development. Seizures might be mild
school. No matter what the function level, or howenough to cause a problem without being obvious
impaired a child might be, diagnosing autism earlyto parent or doctor, so testing for this is a good
is always the best way to go. However, becauseidea as well.
that is not always possible, the parents can onlyOnce all of these medical issues have been ruled
deal with what they see. Some may suspectout, the doctor will start looking for the signs of
autism only to find that something else is going on.autism. There is no medical test that can be
Parents are often the first to stop and think thatperformed for an autism diagnosis. The doctor will
something unusual might be going on with theirstudy communication, socialization, and how a child
child. Other times, the doctor might see signs first,behaves. These are the main clues to figure out
and then mention that they would like to do morewhat is going. The doctor will examine the child on
testing.their own, but will rely heavily on what they
Parents generally notice motor problems, and aparent has to tell them about milestones that are
lack of communication before a doctor, but therereached at a late age, or not reached at all.
are times when new parents aren't aware thatDiagnosis autism comes down to pretty much
development is not going as smoothly as it shouldeliminating everything else and then studying the
be.child. Though this can be a long drawn out affair,
The most common signs parents might see is anthe diagnosis is a good thing if that is what is
unusual response (or lack of response) to noisesgoing on.
and other people. They might also notice thatDiagnosing autism as early as possible is the best
their child spends time engrossed in just oneoutcome for the child in the long run. There are
activity or toy, and they can't seem to get theirgreat programs and techniques a parent can use
attention while they are at play. They may noticeto help with the communication and socialization
their child is prone to tantrums when faced withproblems that these children tend to have. When
situations that don't bother other children. Thethey begin to overcome these at an early age,
smallest changes in their day can cause a hugethey can have a better quality of life on down the
tantrum.road. No one wants to receive this type of
When it comes to diagnosing autism, many otherdiagnosis but it is better to know so healing can
medical conditions must be eliminated first. Thisbegin, and the family can start learning to cope
usually means that child will first have a hearingwith what lies ahead.
test. If they have problem with hearing, it might