- The American Academy of Pediatrics, or the AAP, recommends regular autism screening during scheduled well-child visits. This will helps doctors identify signs of autism early in its course. After the screening, if it is confirmed that a child has a developmental delay, further test must be conducted to determine if the problem is related to autism, another autism spectrum disorder, or a condition with similar symptoms, such as avoidant personality disorder or language delays. The additional testing includes behavioral and physical tests.
Behavioral Tests for Autism: Various questionnaires and guidelines are used to help a doctor determine the specific type of developmental delay a child has. Some of these include:
- Looking at the medical history of the family, and specifically the child
- Using clinical observations
- Developmental and intelligence tests
Physical Assessments and Laboratory Tests for Autism: Other tests may be used to determine whether a physical problem may be causing symptoms. These include:
- Physical exams
- Hearing tests
- Testing for lead poisoning
A Blood Test for Autism:
An algorithm that looks at levels of metabolites found in a blood sample can accurately predict whether a child is on the Autism spectrum of disorder (ASD). The algorithm was developed by researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. It is the first physiological test for autism and opens the door to earlier diagnosis and potential future development of therapeutics
Other Tests Include:
- Chromosomal analysis
- An electroencephalograph (EEG)
- MRI
Autism is slightly different for everyone who has it, because of this there is no blanket treatment. But, doctors can help a child to improve overall functionality to reach their full potential. This includes: - Behavioral training and management; this involves using positive reinforcement, self-help, and social skills training to improve behavior and communication.
- Specialized therapies (speech, occupational, and physical therapy)
- Medicines; they are most commonly used to treat related conditions and problem behaviors, including depression, anxiety, hyperactivity, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
- Community support and parent training, such as talking to your doctor or contacting an advocacy group for support and training.
Citations:
- Mary L. Martialayvar switchTo5x=false;stLight.options({publisher: "eaa7f2a2-a103-4af4-83e0-3931c1fc75b3", doNotHash: false, doNotCopy: false, hashAddressBar: false});. (n.d.). A Blood Test for Autism. Retrieved April 20, 2017, from https://news.rpi.edu/content/2017/03/16/blood-test-autism#sthash.xqdz1NyG.dpuf
- Autism - Exams and Tests. (n.d.). Retrieved April 25, 2017, from http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/autism-exams-and-tests#1
- Autism - Treatment Overview. (n.d.). Retrieved April 23, 2017, from http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/autism-treatment-overview