Autism Testing.

It can be hard to get a definite diagnosis of autism. Your doctor will focus on behavior and development.

For children, diagnosis usually takes two steps.

• A developmental screening will tell your doctor whether your child is on track with basic skills like learning, speaking, behavior, and moving. Experts suggest that doctors screen children for these developmental delays during their regular checkups at 9, 18, and 24 or 30 months of age. Pediatricians routinely check children specifically for autism during their 18-month and 24-month checkups.
• If your child shows signs of a problem on these screenings, they’ll need a more complete evaluation. You can request an autism evaluation for your child through your state’s early intervention office, even without a doctor’s referral. A trained specialist, often a child psychologist or developmental-behavioral pediatrician, will look at many things to figure out if your child has autism. The specialist will ask you lots of questions about your child’s development, behavior, and communication. They’ll also use different tests to measure your child’s thinking (cognitive), language, and self-help (eating, dressing, toileting) abilities. The specialist will observe your child’s behavior. A speech-language pathologist and occupational therapist may also assess your child based on your concerns and their symptoms. In addition, your doctor may recommend hearing and vision tests or genetic tests, too. These factors help the team make a proper diagnosis.

If you weren’t diagnosed with autism as a child but notice yourself showing symptoms that are negatively impacting your life, talk to your doctor. You may be referred to an autism specialist who will help you understand your symptoms and figure out if you have autism.

If you weren’t diagnosed with autism as a child but notice yourself showing symptoms, talk to your doctor. You may be referred to an autism specialist who will help you understand your symptoms and figure out if you have autism.

What to do after an autism diagnosis

If you just got an autism diagnosis, there are a few steps you can take to feel your best:

Take the time you need to understand the diagnosis. You might feel a ranged of emotions. Know that you can reach out to your doctor for help. You can continue a normal life even after a diagnosis.

Do your homework. You can read up on articles about autism. There’s a lot of information out there, but a few good sources are all you need to start learning about your diagnosis.

Listen to others with autism. There are many blogs, books, or videos that you can use to understand the condition. People with autism can also share their stories to help you learn more about it.

Get the help you need. If you feel alone after you or your child got an autism diagnosis, look for support. National advocacy groups, support groups, your doctor, people on social media with autism, or your school, job, or college can help you navigate a diagnosis.

Keep an eye out for other health issues. While autism isn’t an illness, many people with autism might also have other conditions, including ADHD, dyslexia, and others. If you have questions about you or your child’s health, see your doctor and explain your concerns.