Top support to help families navigate the many stages of an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis from early screening and detection to ways to manage a new diagnosis. Learn when to seek out professional advice and what happens following a diagnosis to include supportive personal accounts of the autism journey.
An autism mom explains how receiving a diagnosis at an early age can benefit your child’s development. It all started with the spinning. I remember walking into our living room and seeing my six-month-old son sitting upright on our hardwood floors, spinning his toy aquarium bowl as if his life depended on it. I recall
in Autism Diagnosis by Kimberlee Rutan McCafferty
Diagnosing mental conditions can be tricky, and autism is no exception. Over the years, our understanding of autism and developmental disorders, in general, has evolved a lot, but that means it can be hard to keep track of all the subcategories and definitions that have popped up along the way. One term you may have
in Autism Diagnosis by Claire Delano, BA
The journey to attaining a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often comes with many hurdles and back-and-forth consultations. Some parents only receive a positive diagnosis after years of seeking answers for their children’s challenges. Due to the spectrum of autism, diagnostic instruments have been developed to help clinicians or examiners measure traits against specific
in Autism Diagnosis by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSC
At first glance prenatal testing seems like the ultimate feat of modern medicine. But when reading about parents provided with knowledge and subsequent choices, a dystopian future where tests decide who gets to live becomes imaginable. Prenatal testing for autism is not widely available, and the ethical implications of such testing are enormous. When considering
in Autism Diagnosis by Yolande Loftus, BA, LLB
When you have a child or children with autism, you probably spend more time with doctors and therapists than most other families. First, there’s the search for a diagnosis, then there are potential treatments, not to mention the other conditions—such as ADHD or gastrointestinal issues—sometimes associated with ASD. All this means you’ve almost certainly come
in Autism Diagnosis by Claire Delano, BA
Medical professionals and researchers often consult the DSM-5, a manual sometimes referred to as the bible of mental conditions. In this article the criteria for an autism diagnosis according to the DSM-5 will be examined. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM–5; American Psychiatric Association, 2013) is a manual often cited
in Autism Diagnosis by Yolande Loftus, BA, LLB
When people hear the word “autism,” they probably don’t picture babies. After all, most aren’t diagnosed until they’re toddlers or even older. But ASD does exist in infants, and detecting it early on can make a difference for your child’s behavioral development and functioning in the future. In this article, we’ll discuss what you can
in Autism Diagnosis by Claire Delano, BA
Autism spectrum disorders are often characterized by language impairments. Dyslexia also manifests in language deficits…which begs the question of a possible connection between the two. An autism diagnosis may explain some of your child’s challenging behavior, but parents are often left wondering whether every symptom is autism related. To add to the confusion, autism is
in Autism Diagnosis by Yolande Loftus, BA, LLB
With more experience and less exhausted eyes, grandparents often play a huge role in bringing autism symptoms to the attention of new parents. “It takes a village to raise a child”—just hearing this phrase might evoke images of a bygone era, in which extended family, neighbors, and regular citizens all had a hands-on role to
in Autism Diagnosis by Alison Singer
Diving straight into the controversial nature of this topic, perhaps the title should have been: Is Borderline Autism a Real Diagnosis? The term borderline autism probably exists because autism is difficult to diagnose—much of the challenge lies in the fact that autism is a spectrum disorder. The spectrum is wide, and the borders create as
in Autism Diagnosis by Yolande Loftus, BA, LLB
The days following a diagnosis of autism might feel like a grieving period for some parents. They may need to take some time to process what the diagnosis means for their child and family. They may need to grieve for the life they thought their child would have. This may take some time, then, after
in Autism Diagnosis by Crystal Gallagher
A look at how the diagnosis of asperger’s disorder being replaced with the broader diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has had an impact on a mother and son. Prior to 2013, individuals diagnosed with asperger’s disorder were described as possessing degrees of characteristics that were distinct and different from neurotypical people. Though varying from one
in Autism Diagnosis by Sandy Petrovic, RN, BSN and David Petrovic, BA, MAT
It is harrowing for parents to suspect something is different about their child. It is a situation that becomes even more challenging if suspicions are not validated by an accurate diagnosis in a timely manner. Many parents who suspect their child may be showing signs of autism, among other developmental and physical differences, learn quickly
in Autism Diagnosis by Christine Stanley, PhD
Certain health conditions may be associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These are described below, though there is no evidence for a causal relationship with ASD. Sensory processing difficulties Children with ASD often have difficulty processing everyday sensory information in all senses, from noise to touch to smells, sounds, and tastes. Any of the senses
in Autism Diagnosis by Professor May Ng, MBBS (Hons), FHEA, FRCPCH, MSc, LLM, PhD
Are you a parent with a daughter who you think could be on the autism spectrum? Perhaps you don’t know where to start in terms of reaching a diagnosis? You’re not alone. Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects 1 in 54 children in the United
in Autism Diagnosis by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSC
History of PDA The late developmental psychologist, Elizabeth Newson, first used the term Pathological Demand Avoidance in the 1980s while serving as the director of the Child Development Research Unit at the University of Nottingham. While observing children at play and interviewing their parents, she first worked with children who were non-communicative but began to
in Autism Diagnosis by Sharon Longo, BA
What Is Oppositional Defiant Disorder? Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a type of behavior disorder mostly seen in children. Children with ODD have consistent behavior patterns which include being argumentative and defiant towards parents and other figures of authority. This is a different condition to Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) where the drive to avoid demands
in Autism Diagnosis by Kim Barloso, AB
Signs of Autism in Teens Autism in teens can be recognized during regular interaction with others at school and at home. Verbal signs of autism in a teen might include: Not knowing how to engage in a two-way conversation; Usually talking about a single topic without allowing the other person to talk or respond Only
in Autism Diagnosis by Kim Barloso, AB
The symptoms of autism spectrum disorders can mimic a variety of other conditions, making it crucial to receive an accurate diagnosis and may lead to autism misdiagnosed. Early intervention is key for autism symptoms, so being properly evaluated and diagnosed will give children access to the best therapies for their special needs. How often is
in Autism Diagnosis by Katherine G. Hobbs, AA
Has your talkative, engaged, and very energetic child suddenly become quiet and uninterested? Does your child exhibit new, unusual habits? Have you noticed speech regression? If you answered yes, then he/she may have what’s called regressive autism. Based on data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in every 68 children
in Autism Diagnosis by Amy KD Tobik
Your 2-year-old son has tantrums all the time. Just moving his favorite chair can trigger a meltdown. He grunts and points when he wants something. He rarely looks you in the eye and often doesn’t respond to his name. Family and friends are reassuring. “Kids develop at different paces.” “He’s just quiet.” “My co-worker’s child
in Autism Diagnosis by Erica Pozzie, BCBA
Did you know autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be detected in babies, infants and toddlers, yet many children on the spectrum do not receive a diagnosis until the ages of two or three? This article overviews the main symptoms and characteristics of autism in babies and toddlers in an effort to help more parents and
in Autism Diagnosis by Katherine G. Hobbs, AA
Coming to terms with an autism diagnosis on a purely parental level can be indescribable. There is an entire spectrum of emotions that range from inconsolable sadness to incomparable relief when help has finally been found. It is a uniquely personal and sometimes misunderstood human process of emotions. I am told by various individuals that
in Autism Diagnosis by Janele Hoerner
Question: Syed asks, “My son is 2 1/2 and does not talk yet. He has no words, only babbling. He has also signs of autism like hand-flapping, walking on his tip-toes, and other forms of stimming. He is registered at our local special needs office where we live. We are very worried about him and
in Autism Diagnosis by Angelina M., MS, BCBA, LMFT
To be completely honest, I thought I was well educated on special education. I mean after all, I have worked with several different students with a wide range of learning disabilities, physical disabilities, etc. However, reality didn’t set in until I had my own child. Let’s face it – there is a huge difference between
in Autism Diagnosis by Leslie Burby
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